Crystal Lake Attorney Pleads Not Guilty to Embezzling Clients' Money

Crystal Lake attorney Curt P. Rehberg entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday to seven counts felony theft before McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather, the Northwest Herald reports.

Rehberg, 49, of Cary, is accused of embezzling more than $1.2 million from eight clients.

Crystal Lake Police began an investigation in August into an allegation that Rehberg obtained unauthorized control over several thousand dollars belonging to a client.

Clients said while Rehberg was serving as their attorney, he had been granted access to funds destined for disbursement following the passing of a family member.

In all, over 1.2 million dollars had been collected by Rehberg from clients and has not been disbursed according to the agreements or expectations of those clients upon Requests, Crystal Lake Police Cmdr. Dan Dziewior said.

Rehberg's next court date is Dec. 26.

Rehberg also has a case pending before the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, according to the Northwest Herald story. The ARDC says Rehberg used the money for business and personal expenses.