Ex-McDonald's manager admits to $13,000 theft

A former McDonald's restaurant manager may have deserved a break today after pleading guilty to charges she helped steal more than $13,000 from the company.

But a McHenry County judge assured her she wouldn't be lovin' it if she messes up again.

Jenntry L. Duddleston, 22, of McHenry, was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay back a share of the stolen money after admitting guilt to burglary and theft charges.

As part of her probation, Duddleston must spend at least 90 days on electronic monitoring and perform a minimum 130 of hours community service.

Along with the sentence came a stern warning from Judge Joseph Condon that this was her last chance to stay out of prison.

"Keep that in mind, and keep your daughter in mind, next time you feel like putting your hands on other people's property," Condon told her.

Duddleston and two others were charged with breaking into a Crystal Lake McDonald's where she worked and removing money from its safe. Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Philip Hiscock said they accessed the safe with a key card Duddleston obtained while working there.

Hiscock had asked for a four-year prison term, which is what Duddleston co-defendant Steven W. Key, 26, of Wonder Lake, received after pleading guilty in July.

"What's aggravating about this case is that the defendant was an assistant manager at this McDonald's," he said. "Obviously, there was a breach of trust."

A third man charged in the break-in, James M. Joyner, 26, of McHenry, is awaiting trial on burglary and theft charges.