Ex-Addison UPS worker sentenced for thefts

A former Addison UPS supervisor was sentenced Thursday to seven years in prison for pilfering more than $800,000 from the company.

Victoria A. Pavek sought probation, but prosecutors pushed for a prison term to send a message that such white-collar crimes aren't taken lightly.

The 49-year-old Aurora woman pleaded guilty to felony theft during an earlier DuPage County court hearing. She stole nearly $802,000 in 90 financial transactions during a six-year span until the thefts were uncovered in fall 2006.

Pavek worked for 20 years at the UPS district office in Addison, where she was a supervisor in the collections department.

Prosecutor William Wu said Pavek diverted UPS funds into her own bank account for personal expenses, such as to buy a new car, pay bills or loan her daughter money to buy a condo.

Defense attorney Robert Kleeman argued Pavek did not pose a threat to the public. The wife and mother of two did not have a prior criminal record. He said she is attending school to begin a new career in nursing. Pavek already paid $290,000 in restitution, her attorney said.

"If she's able to pursue a new career and work, she'll be able to pay restitution more quickly," Kleeman said.

DuPage Circuit Judge Kathryn Creswell meted out Thursday's punishment. Pavek faced probation or up to 15 years in prison. In exchange for the guilty plea, prosecutors agreed not to seek more than an eight-year term.

Pavek must serve half of the prison term before being considered for parole.