Closing arguments are scheduled for Monday morning in the trial of former Joliet Fire Chief Joe Drick and his wife, Cheri, who are charged with defrauding an elderly Joliet woman.
The Dricks, who opted not to testify in their defense, have not disputed the prosecution’s claim that they befriended Gladys Farrington, who left an estate valued at $1.1 million to $1.5 million. They also acknowledge that Cheri Drick spent nearly $200,000 of the elderly woman’s money in less than a year because she had a power of attorney and joint ownership of Farrington’s three checking accounts.
Also, they do not deny Cheri Drick persuaded Farrington, who died at age 85 of Alzheimer’s disease in 2005, to change her will and name Cheri Drick executor and beneficiary. But Cheri Drick contends she was legally allowed to spend the money after Farrington knowingly gave her power of attorney. Joe Drick denies he directly benefited from his wife’s actions.
Defense attorneys rested Thursday after the prosecution ended on Wednesday.
