Ex-Melrose Park chemical firm exec sentenced to prison in theft

The former general manager of a Melrose Park chemical company has been sentenced to six years in prison for stealing more than $2 million from the business.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office says 56-year-old Kathleen Barth of Chicago pleaded guilty on Tuesday to stealing from Kraft Chemical Corp. while serving as general manager.

Prosecutors claim Barth stole more than $2.1 million between May 2006 and April 2012 by fraudulently increasing her salary and giving herself bonuses and commissions that weren't authorized. They say she had complete control of the company's finances, and also write checks and electronically transferred money to herself.

She also allegedly wrote company checks to contractors who were remodeling her home.

Cook County Judge Mauricio Arajho ordered Barth to pay $1.5 million in restitution.