Prosecution: DuPage suspect took $300,000 from aunt

A West suburban woman appeared in DuPage County bond court Wednesday on charges she misappropriated at least $300,000 of her elderly aunt's money.

Elizabeth Stallone, 60, of Westchester, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of financial exploitation of an elderly person. She was held on $100,000 bail.

Stallone gained access to two of her aunt's bank accounts after she “usurped power of attorney” for the victim, who is older than 70 and lives in Addison, prosecutors said in court. Assistant State's Attorney Diane Michalak said Stallone took at least $300,000, including $124,000 in checks written to herself, her business and her business partner during an unspecified period of time.

Defense attorney Linda Babich said Stallone, who runs a printing service out of her home on the 2300 block of Belleview Avenue, has strong ties to the community and surrendered when she learned of the charges.

Stallone also provides care for her 86-year-old mother, who suffers from congestive heart failure and a variety of other illnesses, Babich said in seeking bond.

Judge Elizabeth Sexton reduced a previously set bail from $200,000 to $100,000, meaning Stallone would have to post $10,000 to be released.

Stallone has no prior criminal record and would be eligible for probation if found guilty. Her next court date is Sept. 4 before Judge Kathryn Creswell.