A Chicago judge set a $250,000 bond for a man who allegedly bilked a mentally disabled senior of $500,000 over a decade.
Ernie Rokosik Jr., 40, appeared in bond court yesterday to faces charges of senior exploitation and felony theft over $100,000.
The victim, 61, had amassed $600,000 through an inheritance from his mother along with savings from his IRA and retirement pension.
In 2001, a Rokosik family member who was considered to be a trusted friend of the family obtained power of attorney over the victim's finances. A release from the Sheriff's office says the victim has the mental capacity of a child and is unable to handle his own finances.
An investigation through the Cook County Sheriff's Office was launched after information was provided by the victim's attorney and Solutions For Care regarding the dwindling assets.
Rokosik Jr. is scheduled to appear in court again on Oct. 22.
