The former leader of the Elgin Police Explorer Post has pleaded guilty for stealing money from the program over 2½ years.

James E. Rog, 36, of Elgin, today (Thursday, June 2, 2016) agreed to a sentence of conditional discharge, as well as to pay restitution and receive treatment for gambling addiction in exchange for a guilty plea to theft, a Class A misdemeanor. Rog presented a bank check in the amount of $6,063.78 made out to the City of Elgin at the hearing.

Circuit Judge James C. Hallock accepted the plea.

Kane County prosecutors presented evidence that between July 2012 and November 2015, Rog, who at the time was the civilian animal control officer for the Elgin Police Department and also oversaw the department’s Police Explorer Post, stole more than $6,000 from the post. The money was accumulated from membership dues and fundraising efforts and was to be used for post-related functions.

Rog had established an unauthorized bank account with a debit card for the post, and was the only person with access to the card. Rog would withdraw cash from the account using the debit card and use the money to purchase lottery scratch-off tickets.

As part of the sentence, Rog must obtain a gambling addiction evaluation within 45 days and comply with all recommendations. He must return to court July 21, 2016, and present proof of the evaluation.

Rog has no other criminal history.

“Mr. Rog betrayed the public trust by his actions. The Elgin Police Department must be commended for its actions throughout this process. Almost immediately upon the discovery of the financial irregularities, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda and his staff were in contact with us. Their professionalism and transparency throughout this process have gone far to preserve the department’s integrity and fine reputation. We appreciate their full cooperation,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said.

Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney Bill Engerman prosecuted the case.

SOURCE: Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office news release. To follow news releases directly from the SAO, visit the State’s Attorney’s website and Facebook page.