Former Illinois Police Officer Charged With Exploitation of a Disabled Person

Former la Grange police officer has been charged in connection with exploitation of a disabled person.

Steven C. Kneifel, 47, pleaded not guilty Oct. 17 to the charges of official misconduct, financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with a disability, forgery and theft, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

The state's attorney filed criminal charges against Kneifel following an investigation by the Illinois State Police. Kneifel is accused of committing official misconduct, along with the criminal charges filed, according to a statement from the village of La Grange.

The complaint shows the charges stemmed from a grand jury that met from about April 1, 2013 through March 1, 2015, and allege that Kneifel was in a position of trust or confidence with the victim and had a legal or fiduciary relationship with the victim.

The complaint states that Kneifel made or altered checks that drew on the victim's bank accounts on a series of occasions, at various times and in various amounts that ranged from $100 to $13,000, from April 5, 2013 through Oct. 11, 2015. The complaint alleges that Kneifel withdrew a total of $65,836 from the victim's accounts at three different banks.

The complaint also states that as a sworn police officer he "knowingly committed an act which he knew that he was forbidden by law to perform."

Full Article and Source:
Former LeGrange Police Officer Charged With Financial Exploitation