A nearly two-year investigation by Lexington Police has resulted in theft charges against a Woodford County woman accused of stealing up to $1 million from her employer.
The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office secured a warrant for the arrest of Nicole Nesland, 45, of Minonk, who authorities took into custody on April 1.
Prosecutors charged Nesland with two counts of theft—one alleging she took between $500,000 and $1 million, and another claiming she stole between $100,000 and $500,000.
Lexington Police stated on the department’s Facebook page that they are not disclosing the employer’s identity.
“At the request of the business, and for their privacy, we are not sharing that information,” the department said.
Police reported they first received information in May 2024 indicating that an employee had been stealing money from the business.
“The Lexington Police Department worked closely with the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office to investigate these allegations,” police said in a release.
Lexington Mayor Spencer Johansen, a former police chief, issued a statement Sunday evening praising law enforcement and prosecutors while also supporting the business’s request for privacy.
As Mayor of Lexington, I am addressing the recent arrest announced by our Police Department following a theft investigation involving a local business.
First and foremost, I commend our Lexington Police Department and the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office for their professionalism and thorough efforts in bringing this case forward.
I also want to make it very clear that I support the business that was affected. They are the victim in this situation. Protecting their identity is not about withholding information—it is about standing with a local employer, their employees, and their customers as they work through a difficult time.
Small businesses form the backbone of our community. They deserve our support, not added hardship or unwanted attention caused by a crime committed against them.
We will continue to prioritize transparency, accountability, and public safety, while also doing what is right for the victims of crime in our community.
As always, all individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Meanwhile, online court records show that Nesland was released under conditions from the McLean County Jail while her case remains pending. Her first pretrial hearing is set for April 30.
Both of the theft counts are Class 1 felonies, each carrying possible prison sentences of up to 15 years if she’s found guilty. She could also receive a community-based sentence of probation and possible county jail time.