Five admit roles in Hewitt education scam

Five people pleaded guilty Tuesday in Lake County circuit court to charges they stole money from their Lincolnshire employer's education cost reimbursement program.

The five were among 20 people charged last fall with bilking Hewitt Associates out of more than $100,000 over a three-year period.

Chicago residents Channel Clemons, 33; Kenya McMillan, 28; Tracy Reed, 33; and Dora Collins, 36, all pleaded guilty to felony theft. Toni Ford, 27, of Gautier, Miss., entered a similar plea during a hearing before Circuit Judge John Phillips.

Forgery charges against all five were dropped in exchange for the guilty pleas.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney James Newman said the defendants filed for reimbursement for tuition and fees for college and technical school courses they never took. In some cases, they falsely claimed they had earned degrees.

All five were placed on probation for two years and were ordered to pay a fine of $750, make a $250 contribution to Lake County Crime Stoppers and perform 200 public service hours.

Each must also pay restitution to Hewitt. Clemons must pay $12,670, McMillan owes $4,896, Reed owes $5,000, Collins owes $14,700, and Ford must pay $10,000.

Newman said each defendant could be sentenced to up to five years in prison if they violate their probation by not paying the restitution.

The 15 others arrested in the case have pleaded not guilty to charges of theft and forgery, and have court dates pending.