Round Lake Beach civic center treasurer accused of stealing funds

The treasurer of the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center Foundation faces theft charges after being accused of stealing more than $10,000 from the nonprofit organization, authorities said Thursday.

Debra Knill, 46, was indicted by a Lake County grand jury Wednesday on three counts of theft of more than $10,000, authorities said.

If found guilty on any of the charges, she could be sentenced up to seven years in prison, authorities said, though probation is an option.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Fred Day said officials at the civic center foundation discovered money was missing after several vendor invoices from previous festivals were not paid. Foundation officials examined account records, discovered the discrepancy in funding, and turned over their findings to Round Lake Beach police.

Day said the theft of funds occurred between Aug. 1, 2016, and Jan. 1, 2018, and ultimately totaled $10,609.25.

An arrest warrant was issued for Knill after the indictment was approved by the grand jury, Day said. Knill is expected to turn herself in Friday, authorities said.

Officials at the cultural center directed all calls to police.

Deputy Police Chief Michael Scott said the civic center foundation was formed in 2006 to support the cultural and civic center in raising funds and to promote events at the center at 2007 North Civic Center Way.

Scott said the foundation is an independent entity that operates separate from the village, has its own governing board and financial record keeping department. Knill is not a village official, he said.

Scott said additional details would be released by police after Knill surrenders to authorities.