Former Elmhurst Hospital employee faces felony theft charges

A former Elmhurst Hospital employee is facing felony theft charges after allegedly stealing more than $200,000 from the hospital cafeteria over a two-year period

Todd Jagow, 43, of the 2500 block of Stonewall Avenue, Woodridge, appeared Monday at a hearing where bond was set at $10,000, according to a DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office news release.

A $250,000 arrest warrant was issued for Jagow on March 16. At Monday’s hearing, the state argued for a $250,000 bond in accordance with the previously issued arrest warrant.

Following the hearing, Jagow turned himself in at the Elmhurst Police station, posted bond and was released from custody. He has been charged with two counts of theft in excess of $100,000, a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Jagow was a cafeteria at Elmhurst Hospital. He allegedly stole approximately $218,630 from the cafeteria by entering fictitious mobile money identifier refunds of money in the amount that he stole so that the cash registers would balance, according to the release.

The theft allegedly took place between Feb. 13, 2018, and Jan. 20, 2020. Jagow allegedly used the money to pay personal expenses. His scheme was uncovered when authorities conducted a review of cafeteria sales. An investigation conducted by Elmhurst police and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, with assistance from hospital authorities, resulted in the charges.

“It is alleged that Mr. Jagow treated the coffers at Elmhurst Hospital as his own personal piggy bank, skimming money as he needed,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in the release. “His alleged scheme came to an end, however, when authorities at the hospital grew suspicious of his actions and contacted the Elmhurst Police Department who conducted a thorough investigation.”

Jagow’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 20 for arraignment.