Des Plaines man pleads guilty to theft, deceptive practices

A Des Plaines man who prosecutors say bilked a Schaumburg steakhouse out of about $11,000 pleaded guilty to charges of theft and deceptive practices Monday in Rolling Meadows.

Alit Khan, also known as Taha Mahmood, of the 1000 block of River Road, will be sentenced Aug. 26 by Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Scotillo. Khan faces between three and seven years in prison for theft and one to three years for deceptive practices.

Khan pleaded guilty to writing a number of checks to Sam & Harry's restaurant last year on a Charter One Bank account that had been closed in 2007, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Clarissa Palermo, a special prosecutor with the seniors and persons with disabilities unit.

But next month's sentencing may not mark the end of the legal problems facing the 27-year-old man. Cook County prosecutors say he has several other cases involving financial crimes and retail theft pending against him.

Will Harling said he was among several seniors victimized by Khan.

"I think it was a step in the right direction," said Harling of the guilty plea from a man he once considered a friend and a potential business partner.

Harling said Khan charged $500,000 to Harling's credit card without authorization.

"It ruined my life," Harling said, adding that he believes there may be other, unknown victims defrauded by Khan.

"I'm just guessing there are some people who won't come forward," said Harling.

Prosecutors indicated they intend to move forward on the other cases.