Couple stole $280,000 from former employer in Hawthorn Woods, police say

Two former employees of a Hawthorn Woods construction firm misappropriated more than $280,000 in company funds, police said after a lengthy investigation.

Edward Lebak, 59, and Beth Lebak, 58, both of Neillsville, Wisconsin, were arrested on warrants Tuesday. They’re charged with theft by deception, conspiracy to commit a financial crime, continuing a financial crimes enterprise and two counts of money laundering over $100,000.

Edward Lebak was a site superintendent with Monoceros Corp. and Beth Lebak was its office manager, Hawthorn Woods police said.

They were employed by the firm from 2019 to 2023.

The company’s owner notified police of suspected financial misconduct in March 2025. A forensic audit of the company's financial records revealed the extent of the crimes, police said.

Arrest warrants for the Lebaks were issued last month following indictments by a Lake County grand jury.

The Lebaks were released pending trial during a court appearance Tuesday. They’re scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 13.