Reusch of Malcomb, Ill., was placed in the Offender Initiative Program for two years with the additional requirements paying a $3,900 fine and court costs, performing 100 hours of community service and agreeing not to violate criminal laws.

The victim, Catherine Corey, who appeared in court in McDonough County, Ill., was quoted by Tri-States as saying the agreement between Reusch and prosecutors “measly,” and she referred to Reusch as a thief.

Corey drove a 14-hour round trip from her home in Kentucky to read a statement.

Her husband, who died on Aug. 14, 2017, had considered Reusch his best friend. But according to Corey’s reported remarks“ just eight days later,, the defendant (Reusch) began a series of transactions, taking money and selling off my investments.” Tri-States quoted her as saying Reusch also robbed the account while her husband was still alive.

Corey retrieved the money through a settlement agreement, but only after hiring an attorney to investigate. Tri-States reported Corey stated the deal “is very disappointing. I’m very disappointed in the state’s attorney’s office for not putting in the time and the effort that they should have put into this case to let the judge know what was going on.” 

According to Tri-States,Reusch’s attorney, Justin Bougher, said the case was not as clear cut as others made it out to be.