Cops: Worker stole drugs, cash from pharmacy

A 49-year-old Crystal Lake woman is facing up to five years in prison following her arrest late last week after an investigation revealed she may have stolen more than $10,000 and prescription drugs from the Jewel Osco store where she worked, police said Monday.

Donna L. Dowell, of the 100 block of Illinois Street, is charged with eight counts of theft more than $300, one count of theft less than $300 and three counts of possession of a controlled substance stemming from accusations that surfaced in an internal Jewel Osco investigation.

Dowell, who worked in the Crystal Lake store's pharmacy, was arrested about 3:32 p.m. Friday after a Jewel Osco manager called police and said the employee was seen on store security cameras taking money from a register and placing it in her pocket.

Debra Gilio, a Jewel Osco loss prevention manager, told officers the store's internal investigation revealed Dowell may be responsible for additional thefts totaling more than $10,000 over 10 weeks, police said. In an attempt to conceal the thefts, police said, Dowell reportedly was entering false refund transactions into the register and then pocketing the money.

Once in custody, officers located several different controlled substances hidden on Dowell's person as well during a subsequent search of her residence, police said. Police believe Dowell took the drugs during her employment.

Dowell was transferred to the McHenry County jail, where she remained overnight Friday and then was released Saturday after posting $4,100 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court May 25.