Local Police Reports

Former South Suburban High School Official Arrested


CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–October 22, 2010.  The former president of a south suburban catholic high school has been charged with racking up more than $20,000 in personal charges on a school-issued credit card, according to the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Roberto Torres, 31, of Chicago, was arrested yesterday and charged with one count of Theft from a School, a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

According to prosecutors, Torres was serving as president of Seton Academy in South Holland when the thefts occurred.  Torres became president of the school in January of 2008 and was issued a credit card, which by written agreement was to be used only for purchases that had been pre-approved.

Over the next 11 months, Torres is alleged to have used the card to pay for $20,827.17 in personal expenses, including more than $15,000 for automotive accessories or repairs. Analysis of records also showed that he made additional unauthorized purchases at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and various clothing stores.

The school’s business manager told authorities during the investigation that she had confronted  Torres about the purchases on several occasions. According to investigators, he admitted he knew they were inappropriate and promised to pay them back but never did. After his termination, Torres returned to the school to collect his personal belongs and was presented with a final list of unauthorized purchases that he again promised to repay. To date the defendant has not repaid any of the money.

Torres was arrested Thursday morning at his home on Chicago’s South Side. He is being held in custody pending a bond hearing scheduled for Friday.


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