(Lake County, IL) The Winthrop Harbor Police Department (WHPD), in collaboration with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office (LCSAO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and multiple law enforcement agencies, has conducted an extensive financial crimes investigation resulting in multiple arrests and dozens of charges. 

In February 2024, WHPD began an investigation and alerted the LCSAO Financial Crimes and Public Integrity Division, after village officials reported unauthorized transactions involving the Village of Winthrop Harbor’s bank account. The fraudulent transactions, spanning from October 2022 to October 2023, totaled approximately $700,000. The bank’s fraud department was able to recover and return a significant amount of these funds to the village.  

With the assistance of Lake County Criminal Intelligence Analyst and financial analysts from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), detectives were able to track transactions, find wire transfers, identify bank accounts linked to the fraudulent activities, and identify multiple suspects who resided in Las Vegas, NV and Memphis, TN.  

After reviewing the facts of the case, charges were approved by the LCSAO. Nationwide extradition warrants were issued for the following suspects on the following charges:  

Phillip Sanders 

• One count of Theft (Class X Felony) 

• One count Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise (Class 1 Felony) 

• One count Misappropriation of Financial Institution Property (Class 1 Felony) 

• One count Money Laundering (Class 1 Felony) 

• One count Structuring a Transaction (Class 2 Felony) 

• One count Computer Fraud (Class 3 Felony) 

Vanessa Yarbrough 

• One count of Theft (Class X Felony) 

• One count Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise (Class 1 Felony) 

• One count Misappropriation of Financial Institution Property (Class 1 Felony) 

• One count Money Laundering (Class 1 Felony) 

• One count Structuring a Transaction (Class 2 Felony) 

Patrick Dickens 

• One count of Theft (Class X Felony) 

• One count Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise (Class 1 Felony) 

• One count Misappropriation of Financial Institution Property (Class 1 Felony) 

• One count Money Laundering (Class 1 Felony) 

• One count Computer Fraud (Class 3 Felony) 

On February 27, 2025, WHPD detectives and Memphis Police executed search warrants at multiple addresses in Memphis and Jackson, TN, resulting in the arrests of Phillip Sanders and Vanessa Yarbrough and the seizure of evidence. Patrick Dickens was arrested in Nashville, TN, that same day.  

Additional charges are pending against other suspects as the investigation continues.  

WHPD Chief Anthony Velardi, stated: 

“This investigation took approximately 1 year to complete with countless hours being dedicated to it. In cases such as these, with a low solvability factor and where suspects are rarely identified, WHPD detectives were able to charge several offenders with numerous felonies. This is a testament to their investigative skills and dedication to their profession.” Chief Velardi continued, “This case would not have had the same outcome without the cooperation of the Lake County State’s Attorneys Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Memphis Police Department, Jackson, TN Police Department, and the Nashville Police Department. I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks for the assistance we received to bring this case to a successful conclusion.” 

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said,  

“The Winthrop Harbor Police Department conducted a top-notch investigation and worked with our office so that we can hold these offenders accountable in an Illinois courtroom. Our new Financial Crimes and Public Integrity Division and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to making sure that we protect Lake County residents and taxpayers from such calculated and damaging crimes. But we must continue to invest in our safety infrastructure, and I want to thank the Lake County Board for funding this Unit in 2023.”