Man gets probation for theft from aunts

A Barrington man has been placed on probation for 30 months for stealing $450,000 from his two elderly aunts.

John Metsig, 65, also was ordered to repay at least $300,000 to his relatives over the course of his probation.

Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Christen Bishop said Metsig, of the 100 block of South Cook Street, had power of attorney over the financial accounts of the women beginning in 2000.

Metsig took around $450,000 from the accounts between 2000 and 2007, Bishop said, and used the money to invest in various businesses.

He repaid $78,000 to the accounts after being confronted by other relatives of the women, who Bishop said were both over 65 years old.

Metsig pleaded guilty to financial exploitation of an elderly person on Thursday during a hearing before Associate Judge Raymond Collins.

Collins also ordered Metsig to perform 100 hours of community service during the probationary period.

Bishop said Metsig was ordered to appear in court in January 2012 and January 2013 to report on his progress in paying the restitution.

She said Metsig could have faced up to five years in prison had he been convicted after a trial.