SOUTH HOLLAND — A former Illinois Department of Human Services caseworker accused of stealing more than $35,000 in funds intended to help poor families has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Forty-six-year old Tarcia Watkins of South Holland faces one count each of theft and official misconduct.
Bond has been set at $50,000. She’s next due in court May 7.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said in a statement Thursday that Watkins allegedly issued herself duplicate LINK cards with funds set aside for needy families. Those were then allegedly used to make withdrawals from ATM’s. The money totaled $35,900.
A listed telephone number for Watkins could not be located Thursday. It wasn’t immediately known if she has legal representation.