USA: Illinois man sentenced for scamming elderly

ST. CHARLES, Illinois (Chicago Tribune - AP), August 23, 2008: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says a St. Charles man has been convicted for scamming five elderly couples out of more than $540,000. Madigan's office announced Friday that 59-year-old Zia Ahmed pleaded guilty in McHenry County Circuit Court to felony counts of financial exploitation of the elderly, theft and securities fraud. In DeKalb County Circuit Court, Ahmed pleaded guilty to felony counts of financial exploitation of the elderly, securities fraud and mail fraud. Ahmed was previously sentenced to 12 years for similar convictions in DuPage County. He is in custody at the DuPage County jail and is to serve all of his sentences concurrently. Madigan's office says Ahman used money the elderly couples gave him for investments for personal costs. Copyright 2008 Associated Press