Villa Park woman pleads guilty to bank fraud

A Villa Park woman has pleaded guilty to stealing money from her elderly uncle's bank account when she had power of attorney over his financial affairs.

Sharon Cermak, 63, pleaded guilty Aug. 16 to one count of financial institution fraud for attempting to take more than $100,000 from her uncle's bank accounts between June 2013 and November 2015 by saying she had authorization to use the money for her personal use.

Cermak initially was indicted on charges of theft and financial exploitation of an elderly person older than 80.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 17. She remains free on bail.

Prosecutors had alleged she stole almost $250,000 from her uncle, who had dementia. She was accused of writing checks to herself and others, and using her uncle's debit card for her personal bills.

The uncle died in 2017, at age 86.