Ex-Little City worker admits identity theft

A 26-year-old Chicago man has admitted to stealing a disabled resident's identity while an employee of Little City Foundation outside Palatine.

Kevin Hinkle, 26, of 1849 N. Mobile Ave., was sentenced to three years' probation in exchange for pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft.

Hinkle also must pay restitution for the more than $9,000 in credit card debt he piled up in the name of a 46-year-old developmentally challenged resident.

According to the Cook County sheriff's office, Hinkle signed up for at least four credit cards, including ones with American Express and Capital One, in the name of the resident to pay his utility and other personal bills.

Rick Johnson, director of communications for Little City, said officials there were pleased to see justice served.

"It is a very sad situation," Johnson said.

Hinkle was fired from his position as a jobs coach at Little City in November 2006, when the identity theft was discovered, Johnson said. Hinkle had worked there for about two years.

Since the incident, Little City has put additional safeguards into place to ensure similar thefts do not occur, Johnson said.

As part of the sentence, Hinkle also will have to do 20 days of community service. The remaining charges related to identity theft were dropped in exchange for the guilty plea.

Hinkle had faced up to 14 years in prison.

Little City provides services for children and adults with mental retardation and other developmental, emotional or behavioral challenges.