Ex-Downers South secretary guilty of variety show theft

A former secretary once entrusted with money raised by students at Downers Grove South High School admitted in court Tuesday to stealing about $4,000 in proceeds from a homecoming variety show.

Ruth Ann Kadlec, 56, of the 900 block of Plainfield Road, Darien, was sentenced to 24 months of probation and 15 days in a DuPage County work program in exchange for pleading guilty to felony theft.

Prosecutors said Kadlec took $4,000 from a school safe last year and spent it on past-due rent, groceries, DVDs and other household items. School officials noticed the missing funds almost immediately, despite Kadlec’s persistent reassurances she had deposited them, authorities said.

“She initially denied (taking the money) and subsequently admitted it,” Assistant State’s Attorney Helen Kapas told Judge Daniel Guerin. “She made statements she had already spent it on shopping and rent.”

Kapas said most of the stolen money was raised by students at a variety show during homecoming week in late September. Kadlec, who later resigned as student activities secretary, told authorities she’d taken up to $100 in student funds on at least 10 other occasions, but always returned the money, according to a police report. Her brother later repaid the $4,000, prosecutors said.

Kadlec faced a maximum term of five years in prison if convicted at trial. She didn’t make a statement in court Tuesday but told authorities last year she “made a mistake,” according to a police report.

Prosecutors agreed to request “light” work for Kadlec in the sheriff’s work alternative program because she walks with a cane and has various physical ailments. Guerin also barred her from entering Downers Grove South.

A spokeswoman for Downers Grove High School District 99 couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday.

Prosecutors said Kadlec had no prior criminal history.