Police: Dist. 220 worker stole at least $100,000

A longtime maintenance worker for Barrington Community Unit School District 220 was arrested Tuesday after police said he falsely billed the district for repair parts totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.

William G. Schwartz, 53, of Burlington, Wis., was charged with felony theft after district personnel reported suspicious transactions to the police, according to authorities.

Police said Schwartz, who has been employed by Barrington Unit District 220 since 1987, falsely billed the district at least $100,000 through two fictitious parts vendors.

Schwartz is a night maintenance foreman for the district.

The penalty against him is enhanced because the crime is alleged to have been committed on school district property and from government funds. A conviction is normally punishable by six to 30 years in jail, according to police.

Additional charges might be filed, as an investigation by the Lake County state's attorney's office, the Barrington Police Department and the school district continues.

Schwartz was held overnight at the Barrington Police Department and will be taken to a bond hearing Wednesday morning.