Cheryl Olds (pictured), a former Chicago tollbooth worker who was accused of pocketing toll money, pleaded guilty Monday to official misconduct, reports the Chicago Tribune.
SEE ALSO: Stereotypes Hurt Black-Teen Programs
The 51-year-old was charged with two counts of theft and misconduct for stealing $874 in tolls, after she was caught on a video surveillance camera last fall stuffing her pockets and purse with cash from her register.
An audit was conducted, revealing that the emergency button that allows emergency vehicles to go through a toll for free was used more than 850 times.
‘LIKE’ NewsOne’s FB Page To Stay Up On Black News From Around The World
Olds had worked for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority on Interstate 355 since 1996 and had maintained a meritorious record, having been promoted to a senior toll collector. At the time that Olds was arrested, she had been making an annual salary of $52,000.
According to prosecutors, Olds had been stealing monies since 2009. When the woman was caught and questioned, she didn’t deny the charges. Olds has since repaid all of the monies that she took by using the last paycheck she received from her former job.
Olds was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service. If Olds had been tried in a courtroom and convicted, she would have received a sentence of up to five years in prison.
SEE ALSO:
