Charges back in trampoline case
Prosecutors have reinstated charges accusing a St. Charles man of bilking 22 customers out of at least $30,000 in an online trampoline scam.
Michael R. Milligan, 67, of 11 S. 19th St., faces 20 counts of computer fraud and 22 counts of theft.
He was re-indicted by a Kane County grand jury last week.
Milligan was originally arrested in 2002 on charges he failed to deliver orders through his business, Astrea, to 12 people and not paying suppliers.
The trampolines sold for $789 and were ordered from customers out of state as far away as Connecticut and California.
"The Backyard Pro is more costly because it is a real trampoline," read his Web site, www.backyardpro.com, according to court records.
Another round of charges was levied against him in 2004. He was accused of selling more trampolines while free on bond.
Milligan could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
He eventually pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and one court of theft by deception in September 2005 on the condition prosecutors not seek prison time.
Milligan faced up to 180 days in the Kane County jail, community service work, counseling requirements or meetings with a probation officer.
He also was subject to restitution payments, but court records showed he divested himself from most of his assets.
In November 2003, Milligan deeded the Nelson Dance Center, 1901 W. Main St., St. Charles, to a cousin for $100, court records show.
The business was later appraised at $385,000, records show.
"It is my belief that this action was to avoid being subject to restitution," wrote St. Charles police Detective Jerry Gatlin in a November 2005 report.
Milligan, however, changed his mind in early 2006. He filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, arguing he was just late with deliveries, not trying to rip people off.
The motion was granted in September 2007, with prosecutors absolved of their promise not to seek prison time.
The most serious charge of computer fraud carries a prison term of two to five years in prison.
Milligan's next court date is Nov. 14.