Couple Arrested for Stealing $140k from 96-year-old

Two Wonder Lake residents were arrested Nov. 3 for stealing $140,000 from a 96-year-old McHenry County resident.

Timothy W. Zink, 59, and Rosemary Zink, 58, both of 2814 E. Chestnut Drive in Wonder Lake were charged with unlawful financial exploitation of an elderly person.

The announced that the 96-year-old was transported to a hospital in July of 2011 where it was determined that the resident was in need of hearing aids.

According to the Sheriff's Office, after being discharged from the hospital the 96-year-old discovered a bank account balance of approximately $30 and that $140,000 had been removed without permission.

During the course of the investigation, several records were obtained by investigators which led to the identification of Timothy and Rosemary Zink. The couple were taken into custody at their residence Nov. 3 and transported to the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility. Their bond has been set at $40,000.

The Sheriff's Office reminds residents that elder abuse does not always involve physical harm. It can also involve the person’s finances including their personal property, investments, cash and real estate. Quite often the offenders in these investigations turn out to be complete strangers, newly developed “friends” who take a sudden interest in the elderly subject, caretakers and even relatives.

Family, friends and trusted others are encouraged to look for things that may indicate that a problem is occurring. These indications may include unfamiliar signatures on checks and other documents, changes in banks, large or unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts and a lack of bank statements or canceled checks being sent to the elder’s residence.

Certain steps can be taken to protect elders from such abuse. These steps include but are not limited to protecting their identity and property, checking credit reports, getting caller identification, arranging for a second pair of eyes to review financial statements, and arranging for a stipulation in power-of-attorney documents to have a third party review the appointed person’s actions.

To report Elder Abuse, contact the Illinois Department on Aging at (866) 800-1409 or www.state.il.us/aging.

Local assistance can be obtained by contacting Senior Services Associates in Crystal Lake and McHenry at (815) 356-7457.