Woman Stole Thousands From Disabled American Veterans: JPD

JOLIET, IL — A 63-year-old woman was taken into custody Friday after a Joliet Police Department investigation determined Minnie Vargas stole several thousands from the Disabled American Veterans chapter on Old Hickory Road near New Lenox, according to court files. Vargas, who lives in the 1700 block of Clement Street in Crest Hill, was booked into county detention by the Will County Sheriff's Office around 10 a.m.

The Will County State's Attorney's Office of Jim Glasgow filed a felony theft charge against Vargas on Thursday. Between April 2010 and May 2017, the criminal complaint states, Vargas stole between $10,000 and $100,000 of cash from the Disabled American Veterans organization.

According to online records, the Disabled American Veterans Will County Chapter 103 operates out of the VFW Post on Old Hickory Road in New Lenox.

A private Joliet criminal defense lawyer, Neil J. Adams, has been retained by Vargas.

On Thursday, Adams filed a motion asking for a reduction bail for his client, arguing that her bail of $100,000 was too steep. Adams noted that Vargas is a life-long Joliet area resident, and she has resided on Clement Street since 1986.

Adams also argued she is a caretaker for her husband, who is a disabled Vietnam veteran. Furthermore, the defense lawyer noted, Minnie Vargas has already made a payment of $18,000 toward restitution in the case.

In Thursday's motion, Adams asked that his client's bail be lowered to $40,000.

On Friday morning, court files show, a Will County judge decided to reduce Vargas' bail even lower, dropping the amount to $30,000.

Vargas now needs to come up with $3,000 to get out of the Will County Jail.

As of 3 p.m., she remained in the custody of county detention.