Elmhurst Man Faces Felony Theft, Forgery Charges

A 53-year-old Elmhurst man faces felony theft and forgery charges after he allegedly stole more than $32,000 from Messiah Lutheran Church in Elmhurst.

Robert Drefs, 107 E. Wilson St., a volunteer treasurer at the church, is accused of forging three checks totaling $32,635 between July 25, 2008, and May 31, 2010, said Paul Darrah, director of communications for the DuPage County State’s Attorney's Office.

Drefs is charged with one count of theft, a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, and three counts of forgery, a Class 3 felony punishable by two to five years, Darrah said.

Drefs was arrested by Elmhurst police March 15 and posted a $3,000 cash bond, Darrah said. He was indicted March 28. He will appear before Judge Kathryn Creswell for arraignment on Monday, April 4.

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