Former Lisle accountant goes to prison for theft

A former accountant for a Glen Ellyn business was sentenced Monday to six years in prison for pilfering nearly $380,000 while on the job.

Denise A. Gross sought probation, but the judge noted the Lisle woman hadn't paid back a dime of the stolen loot in the six months since her guilty plea.

DuPage Circuit Judge Blanche Hill Fawell instead meted out a prison term for the felony theft charge. Gross must serve half the sentence before being eligible for parole. Deputies took her into custody Monday.

Gross began stealing the money in late 2005 while working for Lithografix Inc. in Glen Ellyn. For the next year, Gross made off with $379,255.48 while writing unauthorized checks or overpaying herself through direct deposit, authorities said.

She altered company books to hide the scheme, which was uncovered during an internal audit in early 2007.

Prosecutor Ken Tatarelis said investigators subpoenaed the defendant's bank records and learned she had a gambling habit and likely used the stolen money to help pay living expenses, including to support a family business, Hungry Howie's Pizza in Naperville.

Gross was taken into custody one day before her 43rd birthday. She'll also miss her stepson's wedding this summer.

Tatarelis said the white-collar crime left real victims. He said the company's general manager was fired, capital improvements and technology upgrades were delayed and employees were denied raises.

Gross faced either probation or four to 15 years in prison. She did not have a felony criminal history. Her only other arrest was in the 1980s for retail theft.

Fawell also ordered Gross to pay restitution upon her release from prison.