A Kane County judge has issued an arrest warrant for a Chicago woman accused of felony theft for duping someone out of $5,000 last month in an alleged lottery ticket scheme.

Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon has charged Janet Cruz, 49, of the 3200 block of West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, with the felony offense of theft by deception, according to a news release from the Kane County State's Attorney's Office. Kane County prosecutors allege that on Aug. 8, Cruz instructed the victim to withdraw $5,000 from the bank and to act as a “witness” for her so Cruz could claim a $2 million lottery prize.

Cruz promised the victim $100,000 in return for her help, the release stated. According to Batavia police, the incident occurred the morning of Aug. 8.

Cruz approached the victim claiming to have a winning lottery ticket that she could not collect because she lacked proper identification. A man who was nearby offered to help, according to the release.

Cruz then called a telephone number and spoke to someone who claimed to work for the lottery and said the ticket was worth $2 million, that Cruz would need two witnesses to claim the prize if she did not have appropriate identification, and that the witnesses would need to provide $20,000 each, the release stated. Cruz offered the victim and the man $100,000 each for their assistance.

They drove to two Batavia banks, where the victim withdrew a total of $5,000, which she gave to Cruz, the release stated. Cruz then faked an illness and asked the victim to buy medication for her.

While the victim was inside a store, Cruz and the man fled. The man is believed to be Cruz’s accomplice, according to the release.

On Sept. 23, Kane County Associate Judge Keith Johnson issued a warrant for Cruz’s arrest and set her bail at $40,000, with 10 percent ($4,000) to apply for bond. Cruz also is wanted on two Cook County warrants for similar offenses, according to the release.

Those with information about Cruz are urged to call Batavia police at 630-454-2500. Cruz is described as being 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing 135 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.