A local man faces multiple felonies in connection with a financial fraud case investigated by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.

Police said that on the morning of May 16, the MCSD received a report from a family member of an individual who had recently passed away. This family member informed police of several fraudulent bank transactions in the deceased family member’s account.

The victim in this case was admitted to Barnes Hospital for medical care on March 12 and was later diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, police said. On May 1, the victim was admitted to a nursing home facility in Caseyville, where he passed away May 15.

Per the MCSD, the reported amount of fraudulent transactions totaled over $2,000 and it was confirmed these transactions occurred during the time the victim was in a medical facility prior to passing away.

The MCSD investigation successfully identified a suspect and on May 31, this suspect was taken into custody on Route 3 south of Waterloo. During the arrest, it was discovered the suspect was in possession of methamphetamine.

On June 2, Monroe County State’s Attorney Ryan Webb charged Christopher D. Cowell, 59, of Waterloo, with aggravated identity theft (victim 60-plus years of age), financial exploitation of the elderly, theft and unlawful possession of meth. The aggravated ID theft charge is a Class 2 felony, while the other three charges are Class 3 felonies.

Cowell was also charged with driving on a revoked license.

A conditions of release hearing took place June 3, before Judge Chris Hitzemann at the Monroe County Courthouse, during which Cowell was released from jail with certain conditions imposed. He has pled not guilty to the charges.