Former recorder’s office employee denies theft

A former clerk at the Lake County recorder of deeds office pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges she stole $800 while on the job.

Nicole Martinez, 32, of Zion, is charged with felony theft and official misconduct in the case.

Sheriff’s police said Martinez took small amounts of money, generally between $29 and $39, from transactions she handled in the office between January 2010 and January of this year.

Police said Martinez would cover the thefts by entering them in ledgers as voided or no-charge transactions.

On Jan. 18, police said, Martinez pocketed some cash related to a transaction at the office and failed to cover it on the books because she did not come to work the next day.

The discrepancy prompted an internal investigation by officials at the recorder’s office, who determined about $800 was missing.

Police said Martinez admitted taking the money during an interview with detectives.

Martinez, who had worked at the office for about 12 years before being fired at the end of January, was charged Feb. 15.

Circuit Judge James Booras told Martinez she faces up to five years in prison if convicted, but would also be eligible for probation. He ordered her to appear in court July 8.