McHenry Woman Accused of Embezzling Nearly $300,000 From Two Businesses

Woman Accused of Embezzling Nearly $300,000 From Two Businesses

A McHenry woman already convicted for embezzling thousands of dollars from a youth sports league now faces several felony charges for allegedly stealing over $280,000 from a Woodstock business.

Previous Conviction for Theft from Youth Sports Organization

Kelly Ference, 39, pleaded guilty to felony theft in 2018 after stealing nearly $67,000 from the McHenry Baseball Association, where she served as treasurer. This conviction landed her a three-year prison sentence and court-ordered restitution to the league.

In 2016 and 2017, league members alerted police when a significant sum of money intended for vendors remained unpaid. An investigation revealed that Ference had cashed 77 checks belonging to the nonprofit between July 18, 2016, and July 27, 2017.

New Charges of Identity Theft and More

Now, new allegations have surfaced. Ference appeared in court this week on charges of identity theft exceeding $100,000 – a Class X felony; unlawful control of funds between $100,000 and $500,000; forgery; and deceptive practices.</p?

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office claims Ference stole $280,000 from American Ad Bag Inc., a Woodstock-based business, by depositing company checks into her personal bank account.

“I’m currently unemployed,” Ference stated during her court appearance on Tuesday. On her LinkedIn profile, however, she lists her position as a billing and credit specialist at American Ad Bag.

If convicted on the Class X felony charge alone, Ference could face up to 30 years in prison. Judge Carl Metz released Ference, pending trial, with the stipulation that she remain within the state.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 31st.

Prior Criminal History

This is not Ference’s first encounter with the law. Before the baseball league embezzlement case, she faced multiple convictions in Cook County for theft, misuse of a credit card, and forgery dating back to 2007. Ference’s attorney declined to comment on the new charges.

How might Ms. Ference’s defense attorney attempt to⁤ challenge the admissibility of ​the evidence presented by the prosecution,‍ such as financial​ records and witness testimonies?

## Interview ⁤Segment:⁢ Former Treasurer Accused of Embezzlement

**(Interviewer)** ⁤Joining us today is legal expert [Guest Name] to discuss the recent⁢ arrest of​ Kelly Ference, a ​McHenry woman accused of embezzling nearly $300,000 from⁢ a ⁣Woodstock business. Ms. Ference is no stranger to ⁣legal trouble, having previously been convicted ⁤for embezzling funds from a youth ⁢sports ‍league. [Guest Name], can you shed some light on the⁤ legal complexities of⁢ these types of ‌cases?

**(Guest)** Absolutely. This situation ‌is unfortunately not uncommon. Embezzlement, which is essentially ‌theft of funds entrusted ​to you, can be legally ⁢proven through a variety​ of methods.

**(Interviewer)** And​ given⁢ Ms. Ference’s previous conviction, are there extra layers to consider in this case?

**(Guest)** Yes, her prior guilty plea ‌to felony theft could certainly be used against her ⁣as evidence of a pattern of behavior.⁢ Prosecutors may try to establish a history of dishonesty and ‍misuse ‌of ⁢funds.

**(Interviewer)**‍ What kind of evidence might ‌be‌ admissible in court to prove embezzlement?

**(Guest)** According to‍ Legal ⁢Beagle [[1](https://legalbeagle.com/2153711-legally-investigate-prove-embezzlement.html)], audio and‌ video recordings can be⁤ used as‍ evidence, but only if ‌all‌ parties ‌involved are informed beforehand that they are being recorded. Financial records, bank statements, and⁤ witness testimonies⁢ are also ⁣crucial elements‍ in building a strong embezzlement ‍case.

**(Interviewer)**‍ What are the potential penalties Ms. Ference could face if convicted?

**(Guest)** Since this involves a substantial amount ⁣of money, Ms. Ference ‍could be facing ​significant jail time and hefty ⁢fines.

**(Interviewer)** This is certainly​ a developing story. Thank⁢ you for sharing your expertise, [Guest Name].

**(Guest)** My pleasure.