NAPERVILLE ATTORNEY CHARGED WITH THEFT FROM LAW PRACTICE

Twelve-Count Indictment Alleges Theft In Excess of $ 100,000

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that Steve Gustafson, 44 (d.o.b. 04/24/1964) of 1910 Morgan Circle, Naperville, has been with allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from a Naperville law firm where he worked.

            It is alleged that beginning in 2001 through 2006, Gustafson would write himself unauthorized checks drawn against a trust fund bank account held by the law firm where he worked.  It is further alleged that Gustafson would then cash the checks or deposit them into his bank account for his own personal use. 

            “White collar crime is not a victimless crime,” remarked Birkett.  “If these allegations are proven true, Mr. Gustafson’s actions caused significant hardship for his former employer and its employees.  Often times white collar crimes are very hard to detect.  The offender is usually knowledgeable about his victim’s financial business and knows how to cover their tracks.  I would like to thank the Naperville Police Department, particularly Detectives Bisch and Sheehan as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Diamond for their work in uncovering Mr. Gustafson’s alleged scheme.”

            In addition to the Theft Over $100,000 charges, Gustafson also faces six counts of Forgery, two counts of Continuing a Financial Crimes Enterprise and three counts of Financial Institution Fraud.  An $800,000 arrest warrant has been issued for Mr. Gustafson.

            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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