Bookkeeper sentenced to prison for stealing from Arlington Heights dentist
A woman who worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist for an Arlington Heights dentist and the woman's husband pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing more than $600,000 from the practice over six years.
Caren Irsuto, 56, of Schiller Park, was sentenced to six years in prison in exchange for her guilty plea to aggravated identity theft and theft. Her husband, Scott Irsuto, 59, also of Schiller Park, was sentenced to 24 months probation in exchange for pleading guilty to theft.
The crime left Dr. Joseph Favia feeling betrayed by an employee he considered part of his professional family.
"It's extremely hard to go through because our practice is our family," he said.
"We spent four years waiting for justice to be served," said Favia, adding he was happy that the case concluded and happy with the result.
As for Caren Irsuto, "she got what she deserved," he said.
Favia noticed the theft in early 2016 when prosecutors say he observed an increase in business but no corresponding increase in revenue.
He subsequently relieved Caren Irsuto of her duties and hired a consultant, prosecutors said. Driving by the closed practice on a subsequent Sunday, he noticed the Irsutos in the parking lot. After Favia called Irsuto to inquire why she was there, he never saw her again, prosecutors said.
Eventually, Favia discovered Caren Irsuto failed to deposit 1,464 checks totaling $625,526.23, prosecutors said. Prosecutors say the couple cashed the checks at currency exchanges, a gas station and a local bar and deposited the money in a bank account.