Bank Manager Accused of Stealing Elderly Customer’s Money

 Posted on August 12, 2012 in White collar crime

A six month police investigation has resulted in the arrest of 56 year old Lynn Pranga, a bank manager at Inland Bank’s Geneva branch. Pranga, who also serves on the Geneva Women in Business committee of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, has been charged with financially exploiting an elderly person, forgery and theft. The alleged crime occurred when she was a bank manager at the St.Charlesbranch of MB Financial Bank.

According to a report in the Daily Herald, an 81 year old customer at MB Financial complained to the bank that a five year certificate of deposit that he held there had been changed to a one year certificate and the balance was less than what he had originally deposited. An investigation by the bank revealed that between June 2009 and June 2011, $20,000 from that account, as well as two other accounts the customer had with the bank, had been withdrawn by former branch manager Pranga.

The investigation also revealed a check that Pranga had forged for $3,500, payable to MetLife Mortgage on June 24, 2009. MetLife Mortgage had filed a foreclosure suit against Pranga in December 2011, which was dismissed in June.

The charges and arrest warrant were issued through the Kane County State’s Attorney office, which also set bail at $30,000. Pranga turned herself into police and was released on $3,000 cash bond. If convicted, Pranga faces 3 to 7 years in prison on both the exploitation and theft charges, and 2 to 5 years on the forgery charge.

If you are accused of a felony, make sure you consult with an experienced Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney or you could be convicted and sent to prison. Forgery and theft are serious charges, and the consequences for a conviction can affect you for the rest of your life. Our criminal defense lawyers in Rolling Meadows are here to provide legal advice to help you make the best decision for you.