Bartlett man admits stealing from July 4 committee
A former member of Bartlett's Fourth of July committee pleaded guilty Thursday to using the organization's debit card to withdraw more than $4,000 for his personal use.
In exchange for his guilty plea to theft charges, Thomas M. Schiferl, 32, of Bartlett was sentenced to 24 months intensive probation and ordered to make restitution, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Susanne Groebner.
Intensive probation typically includes a curfew, along with counseling or substance abuse treatment if necessary.
Schiferl was a member of the Bartlett Fourth of July committee established by residents 20 years ago to plan the village's annual Independence Day festival. Police said he used the committee's debit card to withdraw, without authorization, $4,475 from ATMs in Bartlett, St. Charles and South Elgin. The withdrawals took place between July 3 and Sept. 9, 2013.
Committee Chairman Brian Clinite contacted police after members discovered in late September that Schiferl never returned the card, Clinite said. At the time of Schiferl's October arrest, Clinite said he was shocked and disappointed about what happened but indicated the celebration would go on this year as planned.