Former PTO officer pleads guilty to theft

The former treasurer of a Lake Villa parent-teacher organization pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing more than $16,000 from the group.

Sallyanne Bennes, 42, was placed on 30 months of probation after pleading guilty to felony theft.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Ken LaRue said Bennes, of 100 White Oak Lane, Lindenhurst, was the former treasurer of the Lake Villa Elementary District 41 PTO.

Between August 2005 and August 2006, Bennes skimmed money from various fundraising activities the group sponsored.

When the group's new officers took over, an audit was conducted and PTO officials notified police when the money was discovered missing.

As part of her plea negotiation, Bennes paid $16,724 in restitution to the group Thursday.

"We appreciate the work the police and state's attorney's office did on this case," PTO President Sarah Wright said. "We are glad the restitution has been paid and now can be used for the betterment of the schools."

Circuit Judge George Bridges also ordered Bennes to perform 100 hours of community service and pay a $100 fine.