McDonald’s Regional Employee Indicted for Theft of Well Over $500,000

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced that the DuPage County Grand Jury returned an indictment against a McDonald’s regional employee, George C. Gudgeon, 55 (d.o.b. 2/07/49) of 8 N. Forestview Lane in Aurora involving the theft of well over $500,000 from the Oak Brook based company.  The indictment includes one (1) count of Theft and one (1) count of Forgery.  Gudgeon was employed by McDonald’s as a Regional Financial Director during the time these alleged offenses were committed.

The indictment against Gudgeon alleges that between January of 1999 and November of 2003, Gudgeon misdirected McDonald’s funds on numerous occasions.  In total, he is alleged to have embezzled nearly $650,000 from McDonald’s over a period of approximately four (4) years.

McDonald’s detected the missing funds and conducted their own thorough, internal investigation.  Following their investigation, they contacted the State’s Attorney’s Office and turned over their findings.  State’s Attorney’s Investigators proceeded with the investigation, with the assistance of prosecutors.  Today, the results of the investigation were presented to the DuPage County Grand Jury by Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Diamond, Supervisor of the Public Integrity/Financial Crimes Unit of the Office.  The Grand Jury returned a true bill, indicting Gudgeon on two (2) felony counts.

“White collar crime is one of the most under-reported crimes in our society,” State’s Attorney Birkett noted.  “In order to achieve the highest degree of effectiveness both in detecting and preventing white collar crime, businesses must know what to look for and take appropriate action in order to bring these criminals to justice.  It is evident that the McDonald’s Corporation has taken steps to detect the misuse and theft of funds.  We applaud the leadership at McDonald’s for their diligence in discovering this alleged pattern of fraud, and for bringing this matter to us for prosecution.  Other businesses should follow their lead.  McDonald’s is to be commended.”

Last month State’s Attorney Birkett spoke to approximately 70 business and community leaders at a forum in Oak Brook hosted by Wolf & Company entitled “Fraud - How to Detect & Prevent White Collar Crime”.  Techniques and strategies for detection of fraud and white collar crime were discussed, along with tips on how governmental agencies and businesspersons can protect themselves as well as their companies.  State’s Attorney Birkett explained to these business leaders the process involved in taking legal action in cases of white collar crime, stressing the fact that these crimes are solved and successfully prosecuted by good old fashion hard work.

State’s Attorney Birkett praised the efforts of Investigator Ray Bradford and Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Diamond of his office for their outstanding efforts in this investigation.

Theft over $500,000 is a Class 1 non-probationable felony punishable by 4-15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.   Forgery is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 2-5 years in prison, with probation of up to 30 months. 

A warrant for Gudgeon’s arrest was signed today, with bond being set at $100,000.  Another court date will be set after he is arrested and appears in bond court.

Members of the public are reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not proof of a defendant’s guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.