A clerical worker at Illinois State University is accused of embezzling more than $160,000 in cash from the university over several years.
According to court documents, prosecutors said an internal audit showed money missing from Bone Student Center businesses.
Investigators tied the thefts to Debbie White, 58, of Benson. They claim their work shows the cash discrepancies were tied to White’s work schedule.
Prosecutors alleged White was caught on videotape stealing money by stuffing cash into her clothing on Monday.
She allegedly told prosecutors she had been taking money from the university since February 2016. Initial records indicated close to $162,000 was missing, plus an additional $6,400 taken between Feb. 25 and March 26.
ISU spokesman Eric Jome said the case appears to be an isolated incident, but he added the university is checking its controls to see how it can prevent thefts like that in the future,
“I think we have a very good system, but certainly anytime something like this happens, it does prompt a review of practices and putting things in place so that something like this can’t happen again,” Jome said.
Jome said White no longer works for ISU. She left the McLean County jail on Tuesday following a court hearing as she awaits trial.
Associate Judge Scott Kording had set bond at $25,000.
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