ELMHURSTWOMAN CHARGED WITH SCAMMINMG MORE THAT $34,000 FROM COMMUNITY

Claimed She Suffered From Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as a Way to Raise Money

WHEATON – DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett and Elmhurst Police Chief Steve Neubauer announced today that Elmhurst resident Josette Hamilton (d.o.b. 8/20/72) was charged with one count of Theft by Deception, a Class 2 Felony, for fraudulently soliciting and accepting monetary donations from community residents and organizations.

Since November 2005, Hamilton allegedly claimed that she suffers from serious medical problems including cancer.  In an effort to assist Hamilton with the cost her on-going cancer treatment and help support her family, concerned citizens formed the Josette Hamilton Cancer Fund.  Since its inception, the Fund has accepted more than $34,000 to assist Josette Hamilton.

Several residents however, who were suspicious of Hamilton’s claims of medical problems, alerted the Elmhurst Police Department who launched an investigation resulting in today’s charges.

“Conning members of the public into giving money to a false cause is absolutely appalling, particularly when you use claims of serious, life-threatening problems,” commented Birkett.  “Ms. Hamilton allegedly breached the public trust and this case must be vigorously prosecuted to ensure that people will have confidence that when they donate to a charity that they are indeed giving to a legitimate, worthy cause.”  Birkett went on to praise the efforts of the Elmhurst Police Department.  “I would like to express my gratitude to the Elmhurst Police Department for conducting such a thorough and extensive investigation.  It is because of their efforts we were able to stop the deceitful  behavior of Ms. Hamilton.”

Hamilton, who appeared in Bond Court this morning in front of Judge John Kinsella, is currently being held in the DuPage County jail on a $50,000 bond with 10% to apply.  In addition, Judge Kinsella also approved a State’s Attorney’s Motion to set a hearing on the source of any money Hamilton could post as bond in this case.  She is scheduled for arraignment on April 17 at 1:30 in front of Judge Bakalis.  If convicted, Hamilton could receive a sentence of between three to five years in the Illinois Department or Corrections. 

Regarding the investigation in this case, Elmhurst Police Chief Steve Neubauer remarked, “I would like to thank the people in our community who came forward with their suspicions and cooperated in this investigation.  Part of the tragedy of this case is that it is a violation of trust of benevolent donors and has a chilling effect on donations to legitimate causes.”

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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