Father and Son Accused of Chicago Elder Financial Abuse of Mentally Disabled Victim
Cook County authorities are charging Ernest R. Rokosik with one count each of senior exploitation and theft of more than $100,000. The charges are related to a Chicago elder financial abuse case involving a mentally disabled victim.
According to the Cook County Sheriff’s office, the 63-year-old victim inherited approximately 600,000 from his mother in 1998. Rokosik’s father Ernest W. Rokosik, a Chicago cop and family friend, would go on to obtain power of attorney over the victim. The older Rokosik allegedly took money out of the victim’s bank account on a regular basis without authorization.
Following his father's death, Ernest R. Rokosik allegedly convinced the victim to give him the same financial control. According to the authorities, the Rokosiks stole over half a million dollars from him in less than 10 years.
The Cook County public guardian has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the victim. The Chicago elder financial abuse complaint says that the victim lives on just $850 a month.
Financial Exploitation of the Elderly
Unfortunately, seniors—especially those suffering from serious physical or mental illnesses—are easy targets for people intent on making a profit by stealing from others. Not only is Illinois elder financial abuse a crime, but also the victim may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator. It can be devastating for the victim to lose his/her retirement fund or money intended for nursing care because of Chicago elder financial exploitation.
Chicago father and son accused of depleting disabled man's savings, Chicago Tribune, September 22, 2010
Financial Abuse, National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Related Web Resources:
How to Recognize Signs of Financial Abuse, CANHR
