Woman gets jail in Addison hospice care theft

Instead of caring for an Addison woman nearing death from brain cancer, a young nursing assistant pilfered about $300 from her patient's home.

Marilyn A. Recto was sentenced Tuesday to six months in jail, two years' probation and 75 hours of community service for a March 4 crime that a judge called "despicable."

But DuPage Circuit Judge John Kinsella opted against sending the 22-year-old Maywood woman to prison. Recto faced two to five years behind bars. The judge told her he would not be as forgiving if she gets into trouble again.

Recto pleaded guilty Dec. 3 to stealing a jar filled with cash and coins while working in the Addison woman's home on the 1600 block of Joann Lane.

Authorities said the husband was out planning his wife's funeral, but discovered the missing money when he returned. Police were contacted, and Recto eventually confessed.

The man's wife died a short time later.

"(Recto) admitted doing this before with other patients," argued prosecutor Mary K. Cronin, who sought a two-year prison term. "We see this all the time where the caregivers are taking advantage of the people they are supposed to be caring for. A message needs to be sent."

Recto told the judge she was sorry for her actions. Her attorney, Joan Pantsios, a senior DuPage County assistant public defender, argued Recto does not belong in prison due to her lack of criminal history, young age and remorse.

Recto also accepted responsibility for her conduct by pleading guilty, sparing the deceased woman's husband from having to testify. He was not in court Tuesday.

The defendant has been in the DuPage County jail since her arrest last spring. She is expected to be freed Tuesday, receiving credit for time served.

Her only criminal history was for two driving infractions.

Police recovered the stolen cash and coins.