Dental Office Receptionist steals over $600,000 from dentist- A note to be vigilant

A woman who worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper for an Arlington Heights dentist was charged with aggravated identity theft, financial fraud and theft for, authorities allege, stealing more than $600,000 from her employer over about six years beginning in 2009.

The checks, made out to the dental practice, came from 98 different insurers and dozens of patients. Each bore the endorsement of the dentist, who told authorities he did not sign any of the checks.

The defendants cashed the checks at currency exchanges, a gas station and a local bar or deposited them in a bank account, adding "it is believed the money was used for a variety of things."

An internal review showed "inconsistencies between accounts received and insurance reports," Crothers said. The dentist eventually discovered The receptionist had failed to deposit 1,464 checks totaling $625,526.23, she said.

She and her husband have been arrested with $600,000 bond and in trial.