Cheryl Antoniak Walimaa, 40, Grand Marais, was sentenced on September 21 for financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult and breach of fiduciary obligation/failure to provide care. The sentencing followed an investigation by Cook County Law Enforcement into the financial affairs of an individual for which Walimaa had power-of-attorney. An individual at the North Shore Care Center who is mandated to report such matters to Cook County Human Services brought concerns forward.
Cook County Law Enforcement found that Walimaa managed the checking account of the individual in question and she had written a number of checks to herself between May and September 2010. At least one check, for $600 indicated on the memo line that it was a “loan.” According to Cook County Law Enforcement, “many” checks were issued to local businesses for what appears to be personal expenses of the defendant.
When interviewed by law enforcement, Walimaa admitted that she had “borrowed approximately $20,000” from the alleged victim without that individual’s knowledge or consent. She also admitted that she was “about $10,000” behind in debt to the North Shore Care Center for the individual’s care, which was to be paid from social security benefits and a money market account. Walimaa said she was attempting to repay the amount at $200 per month.
Walimaa pled guilty to the charges on July 19, 2011.
The sentencing on September 21 included a stay of imposition, which means if Walimaa successfully completes all of the conditions of probation, the felony conviction will be deemed to be a misdemeanor. Walimaa must complete 30 days in the sentence-to-serve program, must follow recommendations of a gambling assessment, must have no casino or gambling behavior, and must make restitution of $33,000, to be distributed by Cook County.
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