Elburn couple gets probation for stealing from elderly woman

An Elburn couple on Friday was sentenced to two years of probation after they pleaded guilty to stealing from an elderly woman they worked for, authorities said.

Michael Lewis, 51, and his wife, Emily, 44, of 414 N. Gates St., also must pay court fines and fees under a deal linked to a lawsuit stemming from the allegations.

The couple was arrested Jan. 5, 2007 and charged with financial exploitation of an elderly person, a felony. Their pleas Friday were to a misdemeanor theft offense.

In addition to court costs, the two also must pay about $2,500 to a county team that probes the suspicious deaths of elderly people, prosecutor Justin Fitzsimmons said.

The couple were accused of stealing at least $5,000 from Jan. 1, 1999, and Sept. 1, 2006, from the woman, who they held a position of trust over, Kane County court records show.

They were later released on recognizance bonds.

If Michael and Emily Lewis had contested the felonies at trial, they could have faced up to 15 years in prison.

It is unclear just how much the couple stole from the woman, in part because they were paid for legitimate work on her behalf, Fitzsimmons said.

The woman, thought to be in her 80s, is unable to care for herself and the restitution will recoup losses from a fund to pay for her care, Fitzsimmons said.

Attorney Glenn Sowa, who defended Emily Lewis, was unavailable for comment. Michael Lewis was represented by Kane County Public Defender David Kliment.

Kliment said the settlement in part required the couple to agree to the plea deal and to sign their house over to the woman's trust as a means to help pay restitution.