A former accounting manager for Rush Oak Park Hospital was charged with theft after she allegedly siphoned close to $300,000 from the hospital over six years, according to the Chicago Tribune and the hospital.
Deborah Wilberding, 44, of Naperville, was charged with one count of felony theft for the scheme, which reportedly lasted from February 2006 until Sept. 23. A statement from the hospital said the hospital’s finance department was notified on Aug. 10 about “potentially fraudulent, non-business use of a Rush Oak Park Hospital corporate credit card.”
A spokesman from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office told the Tribune that Wilberding used at least one credit card for personal use and got reimbursed for making other personal purchases. The amount totaled $288,357 over six years.
An internal audit began with legal counsel, the hospital statement said, and Wilberding was placed on administrative leave. Oak Park police were notified on Aug. 24 after documentation was found regarding “very substantial improper charges” on the credit card and payment of the charges with hospital funds. Wilberding was fired and police arrested her on Oct. 4.
“Rush will seek full restitution of the funds by working through law enforcement,” the statement said.
