Elk Grove man gets probation for booster club theft

An Elk Grove Village man was sentenced to two years' felony probation after pleading guilty to stealing about $16,500 from a high school booster club.

Joseph Lohndorf, 57, was charged with one count of felony theft in December, after the Elk Grove High School club's treasurer reported money missing.

The treasurer told police she had requested accounting statements from Lohndorf, who was the club's previous treasurer, and he had refused to provide them.

As part of his plea agreement, Lohndorf must pay back all of the money he took.

While serving as treasurer, Lohndorf wrote checks in amounts of up to $5,000 from the club's account to his personal bank account.

At sentencing, Cook County Circuit Judge Thomas Fecarotta told Lohndorf his lawyer had done a good job for him and added that he was "not real happy" with the deal.

Still, the judge said he did not think Lohndorf deserved prison time, since he had no prior criminal history. He also said he was pleased to hear Lohndorf had begun making restitution to the club on his own.

The booster club is called the Elk Grove High School Parents Foundation. Members raise money for groups like the chess club and events like the Science Olympiad. The foundation also has donated money to smaller athletic teams such as badminton, said Northwest Suburban High School District 214 spokeswoman Venetia Miles.