Department Store Employee Accused of Skimming $11,000

A department store employee is accused of skimming $11,000 from the cash register over two- month period, prosecutors said.

According to the charges, Mary McGrath, 29, was employed at J.C. Penney in Orland Square Mall. Loss prevention officers observed her taking money from the cash register and putting it into her pocket.

The prosecutor said that McGrath provided a written statement to Orland Park police indicated that she had been taking money starting Nov. 11, 2015 through Jan. 11, 2016, the day of her arrest.

McGrath allegedly noted the amounts of the money she stole corresponding to the days she worked.

Cook County Judge Peter Felice asked if there were any shortages or fraudulent returns to cover the missing money.

The prosecutor said some of the thefts were captured on security video. The money was not recovered.

The largest amount of money taken was $1,200; on two days, $1,000 was taken.

The assistant public defender told the judge that McGrath recently returned to work at J.C. Penney after being a stay-at-home mom. McGrath has no prior criminal background.

Bail was set at $50,000. McGrath is due back in court Feb. 3 in Bridgeview.