Timbers Of Shorewood Embezzlement Defendant Posts $100 Bond, Avoids Jail

SHOREWOOD, IL — Christine Brown, the 49-year-old former business office manager at the Timbers of Shorewood on River Road, has avoided being incarcerated in connection with her felony theft case. Accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the company's payroll system in 2021 and 2022, Brown posted the necessary $100 cash for her bond, court records show.

Last week, a Will County grand jury returned an indictment against her, and her bail was set at $1,000. The signature of the judge on the court records was not legible. However, Will County Judge Dave Carlson's name is the only one listed, so far, in the ongoing court proceedings regarding her case.

Last week, Joliet Patch broke the news that Brown is accused of stealing money from her employer between April 30, 2021, and Aug. 19, 2022, according to her criminal complaint.

One of Brown's charges indicates the value of the stolen property exceeded $100,000 but did not exceed $500,000. According to its website, Timbers of Shorewood is "a rental retirement community focused on independent and assisted living for seniors."

Shorewood Deputy Police Chief Jason Barten said last week that he did not want to discuss too many specifics regarding the money Brown is accused of taking.

"It was in excess of $100,000 but considerably less than $500,000," Barten told Patch's editor.

Brown has also moved from Crest Hill to Joliet. She now lives in the 700 block of ONeill Street, which is near West Jefferson Street. Brown has also hired Joliet criminal defense attorney Eric Blatti of the Law Office of Eric J. Blatti to represent her.

Brown's criminal case has been assigned to Courtroom 202 and her next pretrial hearing is set for June 9.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Over $100,000 Embezzled From Timbers Of Shorewood: Barten