Corrections employee charged with theft

SPRINGFIELD _ An Illinois Department of Corrections employee has been charged with felony theft and official misconduct for allegedly stealing more than $10,000 from the agency.

John Urbas of Riverton is being held on $5,000 bond in the Sangamon County Jail after being charged earlier this month.

Urbas worked as the department's vehicle coordinator. Prosecutors say he took checks from insurance companies that were intended for the department and cashed them for himself.

The theft allegedly began in January 2007 and continued until recently. The DOC says Urbas has been suspended pending the outcome of his case.

A message left for the Sangamon County Public Defender's office after business hours Thursday was not immediately returned.