Plea deal near in theft from Round Lake Beach cultural civic center

The former treasurer of the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center Foundation accused of stealing more that $10,000 from the nonprofit organization is prepared to accept a negotiated plea deal if she is accepted into the county's alternative prosecution program, attorneys said in court Tuesday.

Debra Knill, 46, previously pleaded not guilty in Lake County felony court to theft charges after she was accused of stealing $10,609.25 from the nonprofit organization between Aug. 1, 2016, and Jan. 1, 2017.

However, defense attorney Jeremy Harter told Lake County Judge Daniel Shanes that Knill is asking to move the case to the alternative prosecution program and plead guilty.

Defendants accused of nonviolent crimes can formally petition the court to enter the program. When the request is made, the case is transferred to another courtroom for review. If accepted, the defendant pleads guilty to the crime and is required to complete numerous court-ordered steps.

If the requirements are completed, the conviction will be removed from the defendant's record. If the defendant does not complete the program as directed, the case will return to felony court, go to trial and continue to sentencing if found guilty.

Assistant Lake County State's Attorney Fred Day said Knill is required to pay restitution before her case can be transferred to the alternative prosecution program June 21.

Knill was facing up to seven years in jail if found guilty on any of the three counts of theft over $10,000. Probation is also an option.

She remains free from Lake County jail on a $25,000 signature bond.

Authorities said civic center foundation officials discovered money was missing after several vendor invoices from previous festivals were not paid. Foundation officials examined account records, discovered a discrepancy in funding and contacted Round Lake Beach police.

Officials 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 N. Civic Center Way.

The foundation is an independent entity that operates separate from the village with its own governing board and financial record-keeping department.