Carolann Kraft, of Illinois accused of theft by deception of Person with Learning Disabilities

Carolann Kraft, 25, of Wheeling, IL. was charged with theft by deception. (Courtesy of Deerfield Police)

A Wheeling woman has been charged with theft by deception, a felony, after taking advantage of a friend with learning disabilities, according to a Deerfield Police Department news release.

Carolann Kraft, 25, of Wheeling, was taken into custody after a two-month investigation which began Feb. 9, when the victim and her parents came to police with concerns about identity theft, according to the release.

Kraft induced the victim to open credit card accounts using the excuse she needed to establish credit, according to the release. At Kraft's direction, the defendant's address was used on the applications.

After the cards arrived at Kraft's residence, she made purchases for her own use, according to the release. When the statements arrived, Kraft told the victim she was unable to satisfy them convincing the victim to pay them from her personal account. The bills totaled $7,741.36.

During a subsequent investigation, police learned Kraft knew about the victim's learning disabilities and took advantage of her for personal gain. After discussions with the Lake County state's attorney's office, Kraft was charged with theft by deception and an arrest warrant was issued April 9.

Kraft surrendered to Deerfield police April 15 and was taken to the Lake County Courthouse for a bond hearing. If convicted, she could face between two and five years in prison. She is currently free on bond.

article by Steve Sadin - 

Steve Sadin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/buffalo-grove/news/ct-dfr-carolann-kraft-tl-0507-20150430-story.html

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