A McHenry County woman faces criminal charges for allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from her employer, a Gilberts business.

Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon has charged 39-year-old Jennifer L. Bridgeman of Spring Grove, with the offenses of:

• Two counts of theft, a Class 1 felony.
• Six counts of forgery, a Class 3 felony.

Kane County prosecutors allege that between 2016 and 2019, Bridgeman, who worked as a secretary for the business, stole at least $135,085.37 by writing company checks to herself and by forging the owner’s signature.

Kane County Associate Judge Salvatore LoPiccolo issued a warrant for Bridgeman’s arrest and set her bail at $50,000 with 10 percent ($5,000) to apply for bond.

Bridgeman surrendered Dec. 20, 2019, at the Huntley Police Department, posted $5,000 bond and was released. Her next court appearance is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 3, 2019, in Courtroom 319 at the Kane County Judicial Center.

If convicted of the most serious offense, Bridgeman faces a sentence of between four and 15 years of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections, or probation

The charges against Bridgeman are not proof of guilt. Bridgeman is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

SOURCE: Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office news release