Round Lake man who stole phones makes restitution

A Round Lake man admitted Friday that he bought $11,000 worth of cellphones with his employer’s money, and sold the phones on eBay.

German Alvarez, 31, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft during a hearing before Lake County Circuit Judge John Phillips.

Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Stanton said that Alvarez, of the 400 block of Savoy Drive, was employed in information technology for the tool manufacturer EH Wachs of Lincolnshire.

Part of Alvarez’s job duties included buying cellphones and other equipment for company employees, Stanton said, purchases that were charged to company accounts.

A company audit revealed that between October 2008 and November 2010, Alvarez had bought 43 AT&T cellphones worth $11,657 and had them shipped to his home.

Alvarez then sold the phones through auctions on the eBay website, Stanton said.

Alvarez was originally charged with felony theft, but Stanton agreed to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor in exchange for Alvarez’s plea.

In addition, Alvarez paid the entire $11,657 restitution owed the company on Friday, Stanton said.

Alvarez’s plea agreement also calls for him to serve two years on probation and to perform 120 hours of public service.