Embezzlement suspect takes plea, avoids prison sentence

A Lake in the Hills businessman who once faced a minimum four-year prison term on accusations he embezzled as much as $1.7 million from a bedding company instead will do two months in a county jail under a plea bargain struck with prosecutors today.

Scott Van Pelt, 43, admitted guilt to a charge of theft in excess of $100,000 under the deal in which he also will serve four years probation and pay $400,000 restitution to Crystal Lake-based Creative Bedding Technologies Inc.

The charge alleges Van Pelt stole huge quantities of money from the company while serving as its president between January 1998 and May 2003. At the time charges were filed in 2005, authorities said he used the money to gamble, join a country club, purchase real estate and pay for vehicles.

Van Pelt and his attorney declined comment on the plea deal today.

The plea deal reached today will allow Van Pelt to serve his jail sentence in four two-week increments, starting May 9. He then will serve two weeks in January of 2009, 2010 and 2011.

McHenry County prosecutors originally had Van Pelt indicted in August 2005 with theft in excess of $500,000, a charge that carries a mandatory sentence of four to 15 years in prison. Last year, prosecutors amended the indictment to the probationable offense.

A representative of the McHenry County State's Attorney's office was not available immediately for comment.