Illinois Man Accused Of Ripping Off $225K From Now-Deceased Mother-In-Law Asserts "Promissory Note" Defense In Attempt To Beat Charges

In McHenry County, Illinois, the Daily Herald reports:

• The defense for a Lake in the Hills man accused of stealing $225,000 from his mother-in-law asked a judge to throw out the charges Tuesday, claiming authorities misled the grand jury that indicted him and ignored evidence proving his innocence. Michael W. Greer, 46, faces felony charges of financial exploitation of an elderly person and forgery stemming from an investigation into allegations he used a position of authority over his now-deceased mother-in-law to gain control of substantial assets.

• But defense lawyer Thomas Loizzo argued in court [...] that Greer received the money as a loan to his business and that there are documents - including a promissory note signed by Greer's brother and business partner - supporting that claim. "If the grand jury had known that fact, if they had known it was a loan for $225,000, they would have known this was a civil matter that doesn't rise to the level of criminality," he said.

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• Addressing the promissory note, [Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Ryan] Blackney said authorities believe Greer forged it in order to cover his tracks once his financial transactions began drawing scrutiny.

For the story, see Defense claims grand jury misled in theft case.