Couple accused of stealing $140,000 from 96-year-old's bank account

Two Wonder Lake residents have been charged after a 96-year-old woman attempted to buy hearing aids but realized her bank account had been nearly emptied of $140,000, authorities said.

Timothy W. Zink, 59, and Rosemary Zink, 58, who live on the 2900 block of East Chestnut Drive in Wonder Lake, were arrested Nov. 3, according to police.

The elderly woman, a resident of McHenry County, was taken to a hospital in July and told she would need hearing aids. When she went to the bank to take out money for the purchase, all that was left in her account was about $30, according to police.

Police began their investigation at that point, and realized someone had taken out $140,000 from the account during the past year.

A judge set their bail at $40,000 and they are due in court Nov. 11.

The McHenry County sheriff's department urges family and friends of elderly people to keep an eye on things such as unfamiliar signatures on checks and other documents, changes in banks, large or unexplained withdrawals and a lack of bank statements.