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Jail time for West Chicago woman who stole from PTO

A former West Chicago PTO mom will trade in her school spirit shirt for an orange jail jumpsuit Sunday night after pleading guilty to stealing $15,000 from the group.

Prosecutors said Tracy Kotke, 45, acted as treasurer for two parent-teacher organizations in West Chicago Elementary District 33. Between January and June last year, authorities say Kotke stole about $13,800 from the Indian Knoll School PTO, and she also took $1,500 from a preschool PTO group.

As part of her plea agreement, Kotke was sentenced to 60 days in DuPage County jail, which she will begin serving at 6 p.m. Sunday. She must also serve two years of probation and pay restitution to the organizations.

Assistant State's Attorney Diane Michalak said the theft was discovered at the end of Kotke's term when she was uncooperative with her successor and not forthcoming with the organization's bookkeeping.

During the investigation, more than 20 checks, addressed to the organization were found in Kotke's bank account.

"(Kotke) admitted taking the money and using it to 'put out fires,'" Michalak said in court, noting Kotke had "personal financial issues."

Kotke has since repaid the Indian Knoll PTO but still owes $1,500 to the West Chicago group.

Given a chance to speak before sentencing, Kotke apologized.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience I've caused my family and friends," she said. "I've paid my restitution, and I've made my peace with it. I just want to get it all over with."

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