In a twist straight out of a legal drama, former Glendale Heights attorney Leonard DeFranco, 71, has been handed a six-year sentence in prison for defrauding banks using his girlfriend’s identity. According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, DeFranco fraudulently obtained over $82,000 in loans by using his ex-partner’s personal information. Judge Mia McPherson imposed the term after DeFranco pleaded guilty to one count of identity theft—more than $10,000 but less than $100,000, a Class 1 felony.
DeFranco’s illicit operations lasted from December 2, 2015, to June 8, 2017, during which time he got various loans and even purchased a $43,500 Audi A8 with a loan obtained in his victim’s name. The victim discovered the scam when she checked a credit report and noted the suspicious loans. She subsequently notified authorities, effectively ending DeFranco’s plot. State’s Attorney Robert Berlin noted that “white-collar financial crimes always leave a paper trail,” referring to the evidence that led to the punishment. The investigation also discovered that DeFranco had taken from additional victims, totaling an astounding $845,831.58.
DeFranco’s law career came to an end in shame as he was charged with various felony offenses such as identity theft, forgery, financial institution fraud, continuing a financial crimes enterprise, and obstruction of justice. On March 19, 2024, the Illinois Registration and Disciplinary Commission disbarred him, officially ending his legal career.
“His scheming and deception brought dishonor to the legal profession and a slap in the face to his former girlfriend, to whom he undoubtedly caused a financial hardship,” according to Berlin. DuPage County officials praised the Elmhurst Police Department, notably Detective Jeff Kucera, as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Ken Tatarelis and Diane Michalak, for their contributions to the resolution of this complex case.
