Arraignment in theft case delayed

The arraignment of a Wisconsin man accused of stealing $882,000 from a trio of Libertyville medical clinics was delayed Wednesday so the suspect’s fitness to stand trial can be assessed.

An attorney for John McCall, 70, told Lake County Associate Judge George Bridges he believes his client may be unable to understand the charges against him or assist in his defense.

McCall, of Lake Geneva, is charged with felony theft, money laundering and wire fraud in connection with his work as the comptroller for three clinics owned by Dr. Bruce Irwin.

Assistant State’s Attorney Christen Bishop said McCall was hired to handle the finances of the Center for Pain Control, Grand Oaks Surgical Center and Grand Oaks Anesthesia in 2001.

Shortly after taking the job, Bishop said, McCall set up a pair of corporations to do collections for the clinics in exchange for 30 percent of the past-due payments he collected.

But McCall, according to Bishop, took 30 percent of all money coming into the clinics between the time he set up the collection operation and his resignation as comptroller in 2007.

Bishop said McCall made off with $882,000 by transferring it to shell corporations and then to his own bank accounts.

Chicago defense attorney Jerry Rogers told Bridges he is not convinced McCall, who was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair, is competent to stand trial on the charges.

Bridges ordered that a court psychologist examine McCall and issue a report on his fitness, and told the parties to return to court May 24.