Westmont official bought sword with stolen village funds

Westmont’s former finance director admitted in court Friday that she stole $42,000 from the village and used part of the money to buy items on eBay, including collectible model cars and a Japanese sword.

Lisa VanBogget, 43, of the 21W400 block of Walnut Road, Glen Ellyn, pleaded guilty to felony charges of theft, official misconduct and online theft by deception. She could be sentenced to probation or four to 15 years in prison.

Prosecutors said VanBogget wrote unauthorized checks to herself from village accounts and used a village credit card for personal expenses. She shopped on eBay with some of the pilfered funds, buying a Japanese sword, a crystal tomcat figurine, model cars and high-end hair care products, authorities said.

“It was clearly personal items and not items for the village,” Assistant DuPage County State’s Attorney Helen Kapas said.

The thefts took place between Nov. 15, 2007, and Aug. 24, 2010. Kapas said they came to light when VanBogget tried to cash a village check made out to herself for more than $8,000. She said the bank grew suspicious and alerted village officials, who worked with authorities on an internal audit that subsequently uncovered additional thefts.

“While we are disappointed that these incidents occurred, we are satisfied with Ms. VanBogget pleading guilty to the three felony charges,” Westmont Village Manager Ronald Searl said in a statement. “Misuse of public’s funds and violating the public’s trust is not something the village of Westmont takes lightly.”

VanBogget, who no longer works for Westmont, is eligible for probation but also could face four to 15 years in prison at sentencing July 7 in front of Judge John Kinsella. Court records show she had no prior criminal history in DuPage.