Probation for Darien man in theft from Palatine car dealership

The former finance manager at a Palatine car dealership who police say he stole $38,000 in customer down payments between May and July 2009 pleaded guilty to an amended charge of misdemeanor theft.

A Cook County judge sentenced Walter Fronek, 37, to 24 months probation in exchange for the guilty plea.

Fronek received down payments from nine customers but did not provide them with receipts, nor did he pass their money onto the dealership, which police count among the victims, authorities said. Customers did receive their vehicles, authorities said.

The court ordered Fronek pay $17,500 in restitution to an insurance company and $2,500 in restitution to the car dealership.