CHICAGO — An Austin woman was charged with stealing more than $2 million from the chemical company she managed, officials said Thursday.
Kathleen Barth, 56, of the 1700 block of North Rutherford Avenue, was charged with a felony for stealing from Kraft Chemical Company in Melrose Park, where she worked as a general manager, according to a statement from Cook County State's Attorney's Office.
Barth was in complete control of the company's finances in her position, authorities said.
She fraudulently increased her salary, gave herself unauthorized bonuses and commission checks, and transferred money from the company account into her personal checking account. Barth used some of the more than $2.1 million to remodel her home, authorities said.
A judge set Barth's bond at $200,000 Thursday, the statement said.
