A North Chicago park district commissioner convicted of stealing toys at a 2014 Toys for Tots distribution was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months probation and 125 hours of public service.
Susan Dixon, who a jury convicted of one count of felony theft in March, declared, “I am not a thief” before she was sentenced by Judge Daniel Shanes.
During Dixon’s trial, jurors saw video of her removing toys from a room at the Foss Park District facility and placing them in bags that were later taken to her van.
Her defense attorney, Elizabeth Vonau, argued Dixon had signed up to receive toys through the event and was taking them for her five grandchildren. The jury concluded otherwise after Assistant State’s Attorney Scott Turk said the videos and witness testimony showed Dixon used her position to take at least 28 toys during the three-day distribution event.
Shanes said he had to consider the jury’s findings when determining a sentence. He added that he believes she became a commissioner to serve the community and will comply with her probation.
“The jury found, in not so many words, that you violated the public trust and took toys that were intended for some of the most needy, deserving and vulnerable members of our society — children,” Shanes said.
The judge added that Dixon must be evaluated by the probation department and comply with all recommendations. He said she is not to consume alcohol or use illegal drugs during her time on probation, and will be subject to random testing.
Shanes also sentenced her to complete 125 hours of community service and prohibited her from making contact with the Foss Park District. Shanes said he would be “surprised” if the law allows her to retain her position as Foss Park District commissioner following her felony conviction.
If she is allowed to continue as a commissioner, Shanes said he may revisit the no-contact order.
Prior to being sentenced, Dixon addressed the court and maintained her innocence.
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“I thought when I became a commissioner that I was doing this for the community, and that’s what I’ve been doing since 2013,” she said. “As far as me being a thief, I am not a thief. I’ve never been in trouble. It’s not right. I’m not guilty.”
Turk had asked for probation and public service, telling the court Dixon had no prior criminal record and the state “does not feel incarceration is necessary or warranted.”
Turk also sought a mental health evaluation and a $500 donation to a children’s organization, but after Vonau said Dixon had no employment or income, Shanes limited her fine to $1,700, which he said covered the basic court costs.
Dixon was one of six initial defendants in the case. Charges were dropped against three of the defendants and two pleaded guilty..
North Chicago police initiated an investigation after being contacted in early 2015 by Foss Park District officials, who provided police with hours of surveillance video.
The investigation and subsequent charges led the Marine Corps to sever ties with the park district for future Toys for Tots events.
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