Lisle pair accused of embezzling $1.28 million

A Lisle woman and her father were accused Friday of embezzling $1.28 million from the woman's Chicago employer.

A suit filed in Cook County Circuit Court by Delaware-based Radius Solutions says Cristina Senafe was hired by the firm in 2006 as accounting supervisor and manager of its Chicago office. She soon worked her way into a signatory position on firm checking accounts.

The suit charges that, beginning in late 2006, Senafe and her father, Gaetano "Tony" Senafe, also of Lisle, came up with a scheme "where she would purchase commercial copy and printing supplies for Tony's business People's Graphics by using Radius Solutions' corporate accounts."

The firm accuses her of continuing the practice into this year, sometimes ordering materials for Radius but having them shipped to People's Graphics' offices in Bridgeview. When the shortfall was discovered and began to be investigated this March, the suit states, "Cristina Senafe fled the office never to return, leaving numerous personal items at her desk."

The firm claims $1.28 million in losses and charges Cristina Senafe with fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. It also charges both Senafes and People's Graphics with conspiracy to commit fraud and unjust enrichment.

Cristina Senafe could not be reached, and Gaetano Senafe did not return a call requesting comment.