GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL — An ex-attorney from Glendale Heights was sentenced to six years in prison in connection with a two-year scheme in which he stole his girlfriend's information to commit more than $82,000 in bank fraud. The incidents took place between 2015 and 2017, according to prosectors, along with a string of tother fraud incidents totaling $845,831.58.
In 2024, Leonard DeFranco, aged 71, admitted guilt to charges including financial institution fraud, identity theft, forgery, obstruction of justice, and ongoing financial criminal activities. He was stripped of his license to practice law by March 2024.
Between December 2015 and June 2017, DeFranco utilized the woman’s details to secure four bank loans totaling $82,700, according to a press statement. Authorities were informed when the woman discovered unusual activities on her credit report.
According to prosecutors, it was found out subsequently that DeFranco utilized the woman’s personal details to purchase an Audi A8 at a cost of $43,500.
A continuing probe uncovered that DeFranco pilfered the identities of five individuals to deceive six lending agencies out of $845,831.58.
“White collar financial crimes always leave a paper trail,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.
Berlin interjected, "Today afternoon, Mr. DeFranco discovered that the evidence against him points towards a potential six-year prison term. His deceitful actions have disgraced the legal field and dealt an embarrassing blow to his ex-girlfriend, who likely faced monetary difficulties due to his conduct."
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