John E. Sanborn, 66, Beloit, Wisconsin, former attorney and Joan E. Marcott, 65, Janesville, Wisconsin, his paralegal were each charged in Rock County, Wisconsin, with two counts of theft by fraud. In addition, Marcott has been charged with one count of criminal slander of title.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice criminal complaints, Sanborn and Marcott allegedly obtained $35,000 from a Janesville, Wisconsin man by falsely representing that the funds would be used to improve real estate for an impending sale. It is alleged that in this transaction that Marcott committed slander of title by knowingly mortgaging a property she did not own. The two are also accused of obtaining $35,400 from a former client by falsely representing that they were providing legal services on behalf of the client's husband.

If convicted, Sanborn could face imprisonment up to 25 years and a fine of $35,000. Marcott could face imprisonment up to 35 years and a fine of $45,000.