Manhattan, IL – Two Illinois men are facing charges after allegedly defrauding an elderly woman of more than $10,000 in what authorities describe as a home repair scam targeting older residents.
According to the Will County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 1:55 p.m. on October 30, 2025, to the 500 block of West North Street in Manhattan after a local bank reported suspicious withdrawals by an elderly customer. Manhattan Police detained two suspects in a nearby parking lot before deputies arrived.
Investigators say the suspects convinced the victim over a three-week period that her driveway needed to be sealed, accompanying her to the bank multiple times to withdraw cash. The victim reportedly handed over more than $10,000 before the bank alerted police.
The suspects, 24-year-old Spanky S. Stone of Chicago and 69-year-old Eli Miller of Cicero, were taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Home Repair Fraud – Victim Over the Age of 60. Both were booked into the Will County Adult Detention Facility as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Mike Kelley urged residents to remain alert, noting that scammers often target seniors through intimidation or false repair claims. “Our elderly residents are among the most vulnerable targets,” Kelley said. “I’m grateful to our deputies and the Manhattan Police Department for acting quickly.”
Anyone who suspects elder fraud or similar scams is asked to contact the Will County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (815) 727-8574.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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