Builder's lawyer admits $1.2 million theft

The former attorney for a Lincolnshire custom homes builder pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing $1.2 million from his employer.

Lake County Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak sentenced Bartholomew Kempff, 39, of Winnetka, to 30 months probation after accepting his plea to felony theft.

Assistant State's Attorney Christen Bishop said Kempff was a general counsel and director of development for Orren Pickell Designers and Builders.

Between late 2002 and August 2007, Kempff took a total of $1.2 million from the company's trust and escrow fund.

Kempff wrote checks to himself, to cash and to pay his bills and taxes, and the company discovered the scheme during an audit.

When Kempff was confronted with the evidence, Bishop said, he admitted what he had done and paid back most of the money to the company.

Potkonjak ordered Kempff to pay the remaining $169,961 he still owes the company within 30 days.

He also ordered Kempff to perform 100 hours of community service, and told him to have no contact with the company or its employees.