Ribfest volunteer pleads guilty to theft

A Chicago woman was sentenced to two years of probation Monday for stealing more than $500 from the Naperville Exchange Club while volunteering at Ribfest.

Nadia Greenidge, 29, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft in exchange for having a more serious felony charge dismissed. DuPage County Judge Blanche Hill Fawell imposed the sentence.

Greenidge was arrested at Knoch Park in Naperville on June 30, the second day of the Exchange Club’s 25th Annual Ribfest, which raises money to fight child abuse and domestic violence.

Prosecutors said she pocketed more than $500 by working with two accomplices who volunteered in other areas of the park and slipped her additional bills when she made a purchase and needed change.

“She admitted her involvement in the scheme,” Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Cronin said in court.

Authorities said only Greenidge had theft proceeds in her possession. The two accomplices cooperated with law enforcement and were not charged.

Defense attorney Patrick Weiland said the stolen money has been returned to the Exchange Club. Greenidge had no prior criminal record.

“She felt terrible about the whole thing,” he said. “It was something that seemed completely out of character for her.”