Trial delayed again for Crystal Lake man accused of stealing from veterans, in prison for Ponzi scheme

Another delay was granted for the McHenry County trial of a Crystal Lake man who is accused of stealing from McHenry veterans and is serving 41⁄2 years in a federal prison for an $8.2 million Ponzi scheme.

Another delay was granted for the McHenry County trial of a Crystal Lake man who is accused of stealing from McHenry veterans and is serving 41⁄2 years in a federal prison for an $8.2 million Ponzi scheme. In McHenry County , Alan J. Hanke, 62, is charged with theft of $10,000 to $100,000 , a Class 2 felony, as well as use of credit or debit card with intent to defraud, according to the indictment in McHenry County court. Hanke is accused of using a debit card from the McHenry Sons of the American Legion for personal expenses of more than $10,000.

Hanke had already pleaded guilty , in July 2025, to one count of defrauding the veterans group. But after claiming his former attorney had “coerced” him into entering into the plea deal, and saying he did not know he was going to have to serve prison time, Judge Tiffany Davis allowed Hanke to take the guilty plea back and set his case for trial on all charges. Hanke had been the post’s commander, giving him access to its funds when authorities allege he fraudulently used the legion’s debit card between January 2023 and March 2024.

Authorities allege Hanke used the card to make cash withdrawals and pay for meals at restaurants, purchases at retail stores and on Amazon, and a boat rental in Florida, according to court records. But that trial date has been continued more than once by Hanke’s attorneys for various reasons, including Hanke’s health issues and scheduling with the federal government. Friday’s continuation was initiated by the state’s scheduling conflicts.

However, Hanke’s attorney did not object and said he had witnesses who are now unable to appear for the scheduled trial date of July 27. Hanke, currently housed in the Federal Department of Corrections in Minnesota, is now set for trial Nov. 16. In 2024, Hanke pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom in New York to conspiracy to commit securities fraud for his role in misappropriating more than $8 million as part of a Ponzi scheme, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release.

As part of his plea, Hanke also admitted he filed for bankruptcy to conceal the conspiracy. He was sentenced to 41⁄2 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $8.2 million in restitution.