Aurora Township woman charged with cheating vendors

A 38-year-old Aurora Township woman has been charged with bilking vendors out of application fees for a trade show that never took place, police said.

Sugar Grove police and officers from the U.S. Postal Service arrested Joanie M. Bellas of the 900 block of Lindenwood Drive Thursday morning at her residence on charges of theft by deception and computer fraud. Police said they took her into custody along with computers and business records.

Bellas is accused of promoting a trade show called Baby Fest on her Web site that was to be held in Aurora Oct. 18 and 19. According to Sugar Grove investigative police Officer John Sizer, Bellas continued to accept applications and money from prospective vendors after the event was canceled by the Vaughn Recreation Center. Bellas refused to provide refunds to people who had already paid for the show, according to police.

Bellas was transported to Sugar Grove where she was booked. She posted a $1,000 cash bond and was released with a Jan. 8 court date.

Police said anyone who feels they might be a victim in this case should call (630) 466-4526, ext. 37.