Crime & Safety
Carpentersville Man Accused of Embezzling More Than $950K From Wig Company
James Rhee, the company's former controller, pleaded not guilty Monday to the charges against him in connection with the case.
A former employee at a Niles wig company faces charges in connection with the embezzlement of more than $950,000 from the company over a 12-year period, the Chicago Tribune reports.
James Rhee, 56, of Carpentersville, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of theft of more than $500,000 and controlling a financial crimes enterprise. He's accused of funneling $962,000 from Chade Fashions, where he worked as the company's controller, the report stated. Rhee diverted the funds by making unauthorized transfers into multiple accounts he controlled between 2001 and 2003, the report added.
Prosecutors claim Rhee wrote a letter in Korean to the company's owner admitting to the transfers after a co-worker noticed and reported financial irregularities, the Tribune reports.
Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rhee was released on $100,000 bail, but he's required to be electronically monitored while released, according to Cook County Jail inmate records. His next court date is Sept. 30.
According to prosecutors, the delay in charging Rhee stemmed from the time needed to collect the company's financial records and information in order to bring a case against the former employee, the report stated.
Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
PHOTO: James Rhee (Cook County Sheriff's Office)
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