Worker Accused Of Stealing $600K From Arlington Heights Dentist

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A former receptionist and bookkeeper for an Arlington Heights dentist accused of stealing more than $600,000 from her employer is facing several charges, including aggravated identity theft, the Daily Herald reported. Caren Irsuto, 56, reportedly stole checks made out to the dental practice throughout almost six years, starting in 2009, and also faces financial fraud and theft charges, the paper said. Irsuto's 58-year-old husband, Scott Irsuto, also faces theft and financial fraud charges, according to the Daily Herald.

The Daily Herald said Caren was relieved of her duties at the business, adding that the dentist and his wife drove by the office when it was closed on a Sunday, and saw the couple in the parking lot, which Caren later denied when the dentist called her. An internal review brought other inconsistencies to light when the dentist noticed the theft in early 2016 after business increased but revenue did not, according to Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Karen Crothers, the news report said. Crothers said the dentist, a solo practitioner, discovered Caren failed to deposit more than 1,400 checks totaling more than $625,000, according to the Daily Herald.

Cook County Judge Marc Martin set Caren's bond at $600,000, as that's the amount she's accused of stealing, and Scott was ordered to be held on $28,000 cash bail, the amount authorities claim he's responsible for losing. According to the Daily Herald, Scott is set to appear in court on March 27, and Caren next appears in court on March 29.