Nurse accused of South Elgin theft

A 41-year-old nursing assistant faces possible prison time after being charged with stealing 66 Vicodin pills from a resident’s apartment at a South Elgin assisted living facility.

Dionne L. Schmitz, of the 1600 block of River Road, South Elgin, has been charged with burglary, possession of a controlled substance, and financial exploitation of the elderly, according to police and court records.

The most serious charge carries a 4- to 15-year prison term if convicted, but probation also is an option.

South Elgin Police Sgt. Mike Doty said authorities received a call from officials at the Heritage Woods Assisted Living Center, 700 N. McLean Blvd., last Friday afternoon. The staff had caught Schmitz, a certified nursing assistant, on surveillance camera stealing painkillers from a resident’s room, Doty said.

“These medications do cost a lot of money to the elderly,” Doty said. “Even if it was as little as $50, it could be a huge amount (to someone on a fixed income).”

Doty said it was his understanding that several residents had complained about missing medications. He didn’t know of Schmitz had taken the Vicodin to resell or for personal use.

“At this point, we’re satisfied she’s the only one involved. If more information becomes available, we’ll definitely investigate that,” he said.

A woman who answered the phone at Heritage Woods said the facility’s administrator had no comment.

Schmitz is free on $5,000 bond and is due in court Wednesday.