Woman Arrested After She Uses Craigslist to Thin Out Neighbor's Yard

A McHenry woman was arrested after authorities discovered she had posted fraudulent Craigslist ads that led to the theft of several plants and bushes.

Kristen Thompson, 37, of McHenry was arrested and charged with theft (a Class 3 felony) after McHenry County Sheriff's Deputies met with a woman in 2008 who explained that she had responded to an address that was posted on Craigslist, which stated that the homeowner was "looking to thin out plants and bushes in his front yard and anything in the yard was open to the public," according the sheriff's office.

According to the sheriff's office, the individuals responding to the ad did not know that the posting was fraudulent and believed they were acting in good faith. The homeowner returned to his house after he received word that the plants in his yard were being removed.

The investigation revealed that the posting originated from a neighbor's residence and ultimately lead to the arrest of Thompson, who turned herself in to authorities May 5.

Thompson posted bond and has a May 13 court date.