Ex-receptionist gets 4 years for $100,000 Naperville theft

A woman who told police she embezzled more than $100,000 to assist her penchant for buying designer purses was sentenced Thursday to a four-year prison term.

Erica Salgado, 24, had pleaded guilty to swiping the money from Rental Homes Inc. in Naperville, where she used to work as a part-time receptionist.

Authorities said the Montgomery woman — on 80 separate occasions — forged checks to herself from an escrow account at the property management company.

The 13-month spree ended in May 2010 when Salgado’s boss received a letter stating the account was overdrawn.

“I panicked,” said Sandra Walsh, 75, of Naperville, who owns and operates the business.

Early in the investigation, Salgado told Naperville police she pilfered the money because she had liked to buy designer purses, Detective Tom Sheehan testified. But investigators found no record of any purchases, and Salgado said Thursday she stole to help a relative with cancer and a couple whose baby died.

“I am so sorry for what I did to you and your family,” she said, wiping away tears as she turned to Walsh in the court galley. “I shouldn’t have done what I did to you. I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.”

Authorities said the thefts occurred during an already difficult period for Walsh, whose elderly husband was battling cancer and whose brother had died unexpectedly.

Walsh said it won’t be easy to recover the loss.

“I’m 75 years old and I’m going to have a hard time getting through this,” she said. “I know that I can’t retire ever, quite honestly because I have to put this money back. I’m always working.”

DuPage County Prosecutor Helen Kapas said Salgado had a prior conviction for stealing from a Joliet retail store where she worked in 2006. Three months after she was discharged from court supervision in that case, Kapas said, Salgado started embezzling from the Naperville business.

“For what? Designer purses,” Kapas said in arguing for prison. “She obviously didn’t learn her lesson.”

Salgado was sentenced by Judge Blanche Hill Fawell, who also ordered full restitution.

Fawell said was “troubled” that Salgado managed to post a $10,000 bond and get another job but never attempted to repay Walsh.

The judge also rejected the argument that Salgado should receive probation because she has a 5-year-old daughter to care for.

“Whatever the impact on your daughter, you have only yourself to blame,” Fawell told the defendant.

Salgado, who had faced up to 15 years, pleaded guilty in November to theft and identity theft. By law, she must serve at least two years.

“I’m satisfied,” Walsh said outside of court.