Former bookkeeper admits $438,000 theft from Lake Co. company

The former bookkeeper for a Prairie View construction company pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing $438,000 from her employers.

Robin Creech, 38, faces up to 10 years in prison when she returns to face Lake County Circuit Judge John Phillips for sentencing on Aug. 28.

Assistant State's Attorney Steven Derue said Creech, of the 34000 block of Primrose Court in Avon Township, was the bookkeeper for Concrete Erectors at 16051 Deerfield Parkway.

Starting in 2001, Derue said, Creech began writing checks to herself on company accounts and had accumulated $438,000 before admitting what she had done last September.

Company officials notified Lake County sheriff's police and Creech confessed to taking the money.

Derue said investigators believe the money was spent on cars, a house and other living expenses.

Creech faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted of felony theft after a trial.