A DeKalb County Grand Jury has indicted David A. Painter, 48, of Sycamore, with three counts of theft and three counts of forgery in his alleged involvement in the several thefts that occurred at Brian Bemis Automotive Group.

DeKalb Police Lt. Gary Spangler said the three theft accounts total approximately $1.1 million.

“The investigation indicates he wrote company checks to himself over a three-year period,” Spangler said.

According to a press release on Friday, Painter was indicted on three counts of theft, three counts of forgery and one count of continuing financial crime enterprise. Each theft count and continuing financial crime enterprise is a Class 1 Felony, and the three forgery charges are Class 3 Felonies.

Painter pleaded guilty Wednesday, said his attorney Hugh Toner.

The Northern Star reported on March 3 that Painter was arrested Friday, Feb. 27 after an investigation found he stole over $500,000 from Brian Bemis Automotive Group within a three-year timespan.

Brian Bemis originally contacted DeKalb Police after the internal investigation by Bemis Automotive.

Assistant State’s Attorney Phil Montgomery said Painter has a court date set for May 11 where the case and evidence will be reviewed. Montgomery said because the case is just getting underway, no plea deals had been discussed.

As of press time, messages left for Brian Bemis Automotive Group were not returned.

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