Elgin attorney's career may be over

For William Chesbrough, the hits just keep coming.

The longtime Elgin attorney, accused of ripping off clients to the tune of $140,000, was recommended for disbarment Thursday by the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

That's on top of the felony charges he's already facing in Kane County.

Chesbrough came under fire last summer after two of his clients told police that checks he had written in the amounts of $124,000 and $24,000 bounced or were canceled before they could be cashed. He entered a not guilty plea in March, and the case is pending.

In a separate investigation, however, the ARDC found that Chesbrough's conduct warranted disbarment to "protect the public, the integrity of the legal profession, and the administration of justice."

The agency's recommendation to the Illinois Supreme Court also noted that Chesbrough ignored lawful demands for information in the disciplinary investigation and didn't show up for the proceedings.

"By his absence, (Chesbrough) has demonstrated his complete indifference to his own professional fate, a lack of concern for his clients' complaints, and a profound disrespect for the disciplinary process," the ARDC wrote.

Chesbrough, 57, of West Dundee, was licensed to practice law 30 years ago this month. According to the ARDC, he has about three weeks to appeal the call for disbarment.

Defense attorney Gary Johnson, who is representing Chesbrough in the criminal case, had no comment Friday on the disciplinary matter.

Depending on a possible appeal, the state supreme court could decide as early as next month whether it supports the ARDC's recommendation.

Who's at the door?: A free seminar next month in Aurora will educate seniors about "Gypsy Scams" and other door-to-door crimes targeting the elderly.

The program, "Who is really knocking at your door?," is set for 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, June 1 at Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave.

Representatives of various businesses, including ComEd, Comcast and Nicor, will be on hand along with uniformed police officers and municipal workers who will explain their roles and demonstrate how they can be identified as legitimate. The event is sponsored by the Southeast Kane County TRIAD, which had more than 300 participants at a similar seminar earlier this year in Elgin.

To register, call (630) 859-8606.