West Dundee attorney disbarred; court case still pending

A West Dundee attorney is still fighting charges that he stole from his clients, but the state has disbarred him from practicing law.

William Chesbrough, 57, of the 1400 block of Grand Point Boulevard, is due in Kane County court again on Nov. 4 on theft charges.

Chesbrough was arrested in November 2009 by Elgin police on charges he stole more than $140,000 from two clients, including two elderly women.

Over the summer, a grand jury slapped him with eight more theft charges, accusing him of stealing another $70,000 from other clients.

Chesbrough coincidentally was hospitalized on the same day the grand jury indicted him, but Thursday he was in court with his attorney Gary Johnson.

The most serious charges against Chesbrough carries a four- to 15-year prison sentence if convicted, but probation also is an option.

Although the criminal case is proceeding, the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission recommended this week that Chesbrough be disbarred; the order was approved by the Supreme Court.

The commission cited Chesbrough for failure to appear at a Dec. 2, 2009, hearing in which evidence from two property owners and his former paralegal was presented.

"The conversion of client funds is one of the most egregious acts of misconduct an attorney can commit," part of the complaint read.

Chesbrough may apply for reinstatement in five years.

Staff writer Josh Stockinger contributed to this report.