Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen Announces Theft By Fraud Complaints Reissued In Case Against Former Rock County Attorney And Paralegal

MADISON - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will reissue criminal charges against a former Rock County attorney and his paralegal for theft by fraud. 

John E. Sanborn, 66, of Madison, and Joan E. Marcott, 65, of Janesville, have each been charged with one count of theft by fraud.  In addition, Sanborn has been charged with one new count of theft by bailee. 

According to the criminal complaints filed in Rock County, Sanborn and Marcott obtained $35,400 from a former client by falsely representing that they were providing legal services on behalf of the client's husband.  Sanborn also allegedly retained approximately $2,675 from another former client, converting an accident settlement check to his own use or to the use of another person.  If convicted of these charges, Sanborn could face imprisonment up to 30 years and a fine of $20,000.  Marcott could face imprisonment up to 15 years and a fine of $10,000.

Sanborn and Marcott are currently awaiting trial for theft by fraud in a separate matter in which they allegedly obtained $35,000 from a Janesville man by falsely representing that the funds would be used to improve real estate for an impending sale. 

A criminal complaint is a document accusing a person of a violation of criminal law.  A defendant enjoys a presumption of innocence.  The prosecution must prove its allegations at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Erik Kinnunen and Juan Colas