Last of three accused of cheating elderly man pleads guilty

The last of three people accused of bilking an elderly St. Charles man out of more than $300,000 has admitted his guilt.

Terrance DePotter, 45, of St. Charles, received two years probation Friday after reaching a plea agreement with Kane County prosecutors. He also must pay $800 in court fines and fees, as well as restitution.

Along with his two sons, DePotter was accused of stealing from his then 93-year-old father during 2004 and 2005.

He pleaded guilty to felony theft. If he went to trial and was convicted, he could have faced a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

Last month, DePotter's sons also admitted their roles in the thefts. The cash they stole fed a habit of parties, buying designer tennis shoes and showering friends with gifts.

John F. DePotter, 20, pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony theft in exchange for a sentence of a year of conditional discharge, a form of probation.

His brother, who was 16 at the time of his November 2005 arrest, pleaded guilty to the same charge in juvenile court and was sentenced to a year of probation. His name was not released because he was charged as a juvenile.

A civil court agreement requires the trio to pay restitution by giving up portions of trusts set up in their names by the victim.

Prosecutor Brian Mirandola has said the victim, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, was pleased with the court arrangement because he didn't want to put his heirs in debt or in prison.

Police allege the trio withdrew other funds directly from the victim's bank account.