Police: Elgin Animal Control officer bilked police explorer program of $6K

A civilian Animal Control officer in the Elgin Police Explorer’s program was charged Monday with stealing more than $6,000 from the youth group, police said.

James Rog faces two counts of theft and two counts of official misconduct, both felonies, according to Elgin police. His bail was set at $40,000 Monday.

He posted the required 10 percent and was released, police said. Rog also resigned from his position with the suburb.

Last November, Elgin police “became aware of an unauthorized checking account being utilized by the Elgin Police Explorer Post,” according to an emailed statement. Investigators determined the account was being run by Rog, who was ordered to turn over financial records.

Because the records Rog submitted “appeared to be suspicious,” he was placed on administrative leave, police said.

During the ensuing criminal investigation, police found that Rog had opened the account in March 2012, with personal withdrawals occurring since its opening and continuing until November 2015, police said.

“Investigators analyzed thousands of financial documents including various financial accounts, fund raising records and records from Explorer program activities,” police said. “The investigation showed that ACO Rog stole $6,063.78 from the Explorer program.”