The former Tazewell County public guardian is largely blaming inadvertent mistakes to explain allegations he misused funds he was managing for three men with disabilities.
Matthew Stropes of Pekin served as the county's public guardian from 2009 to 2019. Public guardians manage the personal, financial, and legal affairs of the developmentally disabled, persons suffering from mental illness, or elderly people with disabilities who have no one else to advocate on their behalf.
The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission said he illegally steered more than $30,000 away from those accounts for his own benefit. Stropes recently filed a reply to those allegations with the commision.
In the case of James Westervelt, Stropes said he did pay himself from the account for services rendered without court approval in multiple cases, but has since reimbursed the expenses. In one instance, he admitted to inadvertently withdrawing $6,787 from Westervelt's account to compensate himself for services provided to another ward, Lonnie Brandon. He said he later reimbursed that money, as well.
In the case of Peter Mitzo, Stropes admitted to withdrawing thousands of dollars from his account on multiple occasions for his personal usage, but denies allegations of dishonest conduct.
Stropes is set to participate in a prehearing conference before the ARDC on March 6. Stropes isn't criminally charged, but could face disciplinary action for professional misconduct.
Full Article & Source:
Former Tazewell Public Guardian Responds to Misconduct Allegations
See Also:
Complaint says former Tazewell County Public Guardian stole over $30,000 from 2009 to 2019
Nick in the AM: Former Tazewell public guardian accused of stealing from clients
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