Allegedly stole $250k from elderly uncle
By Paul DelGuidice
For The Independent
According to DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin, Sharon Cermak, 60, of Villa Park has been charged with one count of Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person (Class 1 Felony) for allegedly stealing nearly a quarter million dollars from her elderly uncle over a two-year period.
The alleged thefts began in June, 2013 when Cermak gained power of attorney over her uncle, who reportedly was more than 80 years old and suffered from dementia, according to a release sent by the State’s Attorney office. The uncle has since passed away.
Cermak allegedly withdrew money from her uncle’s bank account, wrote checks to herself and others and used his debit card to pay for personal bills. The thefts continued through Nov., 2015 when the alleged scheme was uncovered by officials from DuPage County Adult Protective Services.
“If these allegations are proven true, Sharon Cermak took advantage of the trust placed in her by an elderly uncle to line her own pockets,” commented Berlin.
Cermak appeared in DuPage County Bond Court last week where Judge Richard Russo kept her bony at $100,000, with 10% to apply in accordance with a previously issued arrest warrant.
NOTE: Readers are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a trial where the government must prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
