Ex-cop gets probation in $1M swindle of elderly man

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June 17, 2011

A former Chicago police officer convicted of swindling an elderly man with Alzheimer's disease out of his $1 million estate was spared prison Friday by a Cook County judge who cited letters of support in part for his decision.
Donald Owsley, 63, faced up to 15 years in prison after Judge Timothy Joyce convicted him in April of financial exploitation of the elderly and forgery. The judge sentenced him to three years of probation and fined him $36,000.
Joyce said he did not believe Owsley's position as a police officer was "a significant aggravating factor" and that the numerous letters he received in Owsley's support showed a history of "diligence and dedication to duty."
Authorities alleged that in 1999 Owsley met Theodore Hoellen, then in his 80s, after a neighbor contacted police with concerns about Hoellen's mental state. Over time, Owsley persuaded Hoellen — who is now deceased — to sign over his Northwest Side residence as well as investment accounts worth a combined $1 million.
The Cook County public guardian's office alleged that Owsley attempted the same scheme on three other elderly victims, but he was charged in only the Hoellen case.
"This could have been anyone's elderly relative," Hoellen's family said in a statement Friday.
Owsley's attorney, Jed Stone, insisted his client and Hoellen had a special father-son relationship and that Hoellen had told others he didn't want his family to share in his inheritance. The 30-year veteran resigned from the department after he was charged in 2004.

—Jason Meisner

Please read complete article at link below:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-06-17/news/ct-met-cop-fraud-sentencing-20110617_1_elderly-man-theodore-hoellen-donald-owsley

Editor's note: It is apparent that the Probate Court of Cook is not the only entity fleecing the helpless in our society. Independent contractors like Officer Owsley have also dipped their beaks into the trough. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com