Sept. 4, 2026 5p
(WGTD)---The largest embezzlement case in recent memory in Kenosha County ended Friday with a six year-long prison term for the offender.
Bookkeeper Sarah Benson stole over $500,000 over an 18 month-long period from Elyon, a Kenosha-based property management company. The total loss was put at nearly three-quarters of a million.
"That is a staggering amount of money," said Jason Rossell, the sentencing judge at Friday's hearing, who said a stiff prison sentence--and not simply probation--was needed to serve as a deterrent. "People need to know if you're going to steal you're going to do time," he said.
Benson, head down with a tissue in hand, cried during part of the proceeding. "I'm not actually a horrible person. I know that I hurt you"--a comment directed at company president Andrew Elovic, who said Benson's actions put the company on the brink of bankruptcy even though he used $450,000 of his own money to prop it up.
As the thefts were occurring, Elovic said he questioned Benson, a trusted employee, about aspects of the company's shaky finances but always received reassuring responses. Elyon's bank eventually blew the whistle. The embezzlement not only hurt the company's bottom line but also damaged its reputation, resulted in a loss of business and put the job security of its employees at risk, he said. Elovic broke down when he talked about the impact the matter has had on his employees.
Benson's attorney said some of the embezzled money was used to support Benson's drug-addicted daughter and son-in-law. The prosecutor said other dollars were used to buy lavish dinners and a big house.
No matter what, virtually nothing is left, Rossell said, nothing that Benson's bank account had $6 in it when examined by investigators. Benson's home is under foreclosure.
Benson vowed to at least attempt to repay the money.
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