Former caregiver denies stealing ID, money of elderly Barrington resident
A former Elgin woman pleaded not guilty in Lake County court Thursday to charges she assumed the identity of an elderly resident at The Garlands of Barrington to steal thousands of dollars.
Vanessa Williams, 38, formally denied charges of theft, identity theft and aggravated identity theft alleging she used the victim's debit card without authorization between April 25 to July 27, 2014, authorities said.
If found guilty of the most serious charge, Williams could be sentenced to seven years in prison, Judge George Strickland said. She also could receive probation.
Defense attorney Maura Mercure declined to comment after the arraignment. Williams remains free after posting the required 10 percent of her $5,000 bail.
Authorities said Williams withdrew about $7,800 from the Barrington woman's bank account while serving as a caregiver during the three-month period last year. Officials at the Garlands of Barrington said Williams was working for the woman as an independent contractor and not as an employee of the facility.
Williams moved to Chicago after charges were filed in August, her attorney said in court Thursday. She is due back in court on June 14. Her trial is slated to start June 29.