Ex-Streator funeral director is ill, won’t stand trial Monday

A former Streator funeral director’s trial for allegedly raiding pre-paid funds is on indefinite hold after attorneys reported he recently was hospitalized.

William “B.J.” Elias, 51, of Streator, was to stand trial Monday on 14 felony counts of theft and violating the Illinois Funeral Funds Act, all alleging he misused “pre-need” funeral funds. Criminal records show the amounts allegedly stolen ranged from $2,300 to $11,580 from seven depositors, some of them married couples.

However, Elias did not appear for a Thursday pre-trial hearing, and attorneys had a ready explanation for why: Elias was hospitalized this past weekend and, with his precarious health, the trial cannot proceed.

Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia agreed to postpone the trial and set an Oct. 15 status hearing to revisit Elias’ condition.

“His health problems are pretty obvious,” Raccuglia said, citing Elias’ previous appearance on Sept. 24.

Indeed, Elias had appeared visibly unsteady on his feet and had to be assisted by an aide or family member, who held his right bicep as he stood before Raccuglia.

Ottawa defense attorney Ryan Hamer said Thursday he was barred from commenting on his client’s condition beyond what was disclosed in open court.

When healthy and ready for trial, Elias faces a series of Class 4 and Class 3 felonies, most punishable by 1-3 years in prison and 2-5 years, respectively. Three of the theft counts, however, were elevated to Class 2 felonies (3-7 years in prison) because the victims are over 60 years of age.

The Illinois State Comptroller’s Office stated previously that Elias allegedly stole $136,112 in pre-need funeral funds from 31 victims between 2003 and 2019 and submitted false annual reports to cover up the thefts.

His pre-need license and his funeral director’s license both were revoked.