Crystal Lake lawyer gets 9 years for embezzlement

WOODSTOCK — A suburban Chicago lawyer has been sentenced to nine years in prison for embezzling more than $1.2 million from clients, including money meant for sick children and blue-collar workers.

Prosecutors say several trust funds hired 50-year-old Curt Rehberg to be their executor, but he never distributed the funds. Rehberg practiced in Crystal Lake and previously pleaded guilty to three counts of theft. His defense attorney said Rehberg got in over his head and hoped to repay the money. A judge also ordered him to pay restitution.

In one case nearly $525,000 was supposed to go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Assistant State’s Attorney Robert Zalud told the court “a sophisticated grave robber is still a grave robber.”

Rehberg has been jailed in McHenry County since June.