Waukegan woman gets probation in credit card theft

A Waukegan woman was placed on probation for 18 months Wednesday after admitting she stole the credit cards of two customers of the hair salon that employed her.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney James Newman said Nadia Palacious, 20, of the 3000 block of Cornell Road, must also pay $1,429 in restitution and perform 150 hours of public service as part of her sentence.

Newman said Palacious, who pleaded guilty to theft during a hearing before Circuit Judge John Phillips, was employed at a hair salon and spa on Milwaukee Avenue in Vernon Hills.

Between Dec. 3 and Dec. 24, Palacious stole the credit cards of two customers of the salon and used the cards to charge $1,429 worth of merchandise.

Newman said Palacious used the cards to buy gasoline and store gift cards.

Vernon Hills police were called when the cards were reported missing and surveillance cameras in retail stores showed Palacious using the cards.

Palacious was originally charged with felony theft, but Newman said he agreed to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor in exchange for her plea.

If convicted of the original charge, Palacious could have faced up to three years in prison.