Former Spring Lake Elementary School Employee Arrested on Felony Theft Charges

[Tazewell, IL] – Tazewell County, Illinois – On August 12, 2025, Spring Lake Elementary School reported an alleged theft to the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office. Following the report, the school identified the suspect as Patrika F. Rawlings, age 54, of Manito, Illinois. At the time of the alleged offenses, Rawlings was employed by the school as its Secretary and Financial Officer. 

During the investigation, detectives determined that Rawlings allegedly used schoolissued credit cards, bank checks, and other school-related financial accounts for personal gain. The total amount reported stolen by the school exceeds $150,000. On January 19, 2026, at approximately 4:19 p.m., Rawlings was taken into custody without incident in Pekin, Illinois, and later booked into the Tazewell County Jail. 

Rawlings has been charged with Class X Felony Theft based on the dollar amount involved and the fact that the alleged theft involved school funds.

The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office takes allegations involving public institutions and schools very seriously. We remain committed to protecting public resources and ensuring accountability through thorough and professional investigations. This case remains pending in the judicial system. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law