The former comptroller of one of DuPage County’s largest charitable organizations turned himself in to authorities Thursday after being charged with stealing about $71,000 from the group.
Joseph Sebek, 48, of 9319 S. Tully Ave., Oak Lawn, served as comptroller for Little Friends, ya $10 million Naperville group that serves mentally and physically disabled children and adults. He surrendered after his indictment by the DuPage County grand jury.
“Before this happened, I would have said he was a good employee,” said Jack Ryan, executive director of the group. “But he betrayed the community and the staff. He should be held accountable to the community.”
Ryan alleged that during an internal audit of the group’s finances, one check leading to Sebek did not have proper documentation. That led to further investigation and the discovery of a total of four checks leading allegedly to Sebek.
“As soon as we discovered what happened, Mr. Sebek was terminated, and we sought the help of the DuPage state’s attorney’s office.” Ryan said.
Since the beginning of the investigation several months ago, Ryan said Little Friends officials have been meeting with several DuPage and Chicago-area charitable groups, such as the United Way, that have been sources of financial support.
“This is just a shame. We have a lot of trust with the public, and it was our obligation to explain things,” said Ryan, who said more meetings are planned.
Ryan said Sebek has admitted the theft to him and offered no explanation other than to say, “I was in over my head.”
Assistant State’s Atty. Nemura Pencyla said the investigation showed that neither gambling nor drugs played a role in the theft.
The indictment against Sebek, who worked for Little Friends for about three years, alleged that he took money from May 1996 to July 1997.
Sebek was being Thursday held in the County Jail on $75,000 bond.
Ryan said that Sebek has paid back about half of the $71,000 and that insurance is expected to cover the remainder. Pencyla said that full return of all the funds will be sought from Sebek.
“There are many honorable people that are affiliated with charitable organizations,” said DuPage County State’s Atty. Joseph Birkett. “Unfortunately there are some people who abuse the privileges entrusted to them.”
