Manager Stole $84K From Des Plaines Business Over 8 Months: Police

DES PLAINES, IL — A former manager of a Des Plaines business is accused of making 62 unauthorized transactions, totaling more than $84,000, over the course of eight months. Aprill Perez, 45, of the 9800 block of Landings Lane, Des Plaines, was charged with felony theft, and was arrested Friday.

An investigation into Perez's alleged activities at a business in the 1400 block of E. Miner Street in June 2021. A representative of the business told Des Plaines police that Perez was suspected of making unapproved electronic transfers from the business account. Perez was not on the scene at the time, and detectives launched an investigation into the claim.

During a follow-up investigation, police learned Perez was the office manager for the business and was given permission to make payments through the business account for cleaning services.

Following an internal financial audit, it was discovered unauthorized transactions had been made. In all, 62 unauthorized transactions totaling $84,464 were made between August 2020 and April 2021. The transactions were submitted to two accounts, one registered to Perez and the other a relative of Perez, according to police. The account registered directly to Perez was also the account she submitted for direct deposit for payroll.

Perez was brought to the police station Friday for questioning, waived her Miranda Rights and provided a statement to police stating she had performed the electronic transfers without having authorization to do so, according to police. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office approved the felony charge for theft between $10,000 and $100,000. She was released following her arrest.