DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Bartlett Police Department Chief Patrick Ullrich announced last week that Felony Theft charges have been filed against the owner of a Bartlett travel agency for allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from clients of the agency.

On January 21, 2021, a $350,000 with 10% to apply arrest warrant was issued for Colleen Kosiek, 50 (d.o.b. 11/13/1970) of the 1200 block of Spring Valley Court, Carol Stream.

On February 8, 2021, after Kosiek’s arrest warrant was reduced to $100,000 with 10% to apply, she turned herself in to authorities, posted the necessary 10%, or $10,000, and was released from custody.

On January 21, 2021, a DuPage County Grand Jury returned a 42-count indictment against Kosiek on charges of Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise (Class 1 Felony), Financial Institution Fraud, Class 2 and 3 Felonies), Identity Theft (Class 2 and 3 Felonies), Aggravated Identity Theft, Class 1 and 2 Felonies, Forgery (Class 3 Felonies) and Theft (Class 1, 2, and 3 Felonies).

The defendant owned and operated Ultimate Travel, located in Bartlett. It is alleged that between April 13, 2017 and March 22, 2019, the defendant took money from numerous different traveling parties that was to be used to pay for travel arrangements such as airline tickets. It is alleged that on multiple occasions, Kosiek did not use that money for its intended purpose.

“It is alleged that Ms. Kosiek stole in excess of $100,000 from individuals who had used her services for travel arrangements including one couple who found themselves with falsified airline reservations from Chicago to Panama City to Santiago and back to Chicago,” Berlin said. “I would like to thank the Bartlett Police Department, particularly Sergeant Tom Alagna, for their work in helping us unravel Ms. Kosiek’s alleged scheme. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Ken Tatarelis for his extended efforts in preparing a very strong case against Ms. Kosiek.”

Kosiek’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 10, 2021, for arraignment in front of Judge Alex McGimpsey. Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the 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.

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This press release was produced by the DuPage County State’s Attorney Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.