An Ottawa man faces up to 7 years in prison after pleading guilty Thursday to stealing a 79-year-old woman’s identity.

Timothy M. Rodrick, 46, entered a blind plea to one count of aggravated identity theft, elevated to a Class 2 felony (sentencing range: 3-7 years in prison) because the victim was older than 60 years of age.

Prosecutors have not agreed to a sentencing recommendation or cap. Whether Rodrick goes to prison is up to La Salle County Circuit Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia, who scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 2.

In open court Thursday, Assistant La Salle County State’s Attorney Jeremiah Adams said the victim alerted Ottawa police last spring after discovering a Wells Fargo credit card was opened using her name, date of birth and Social Security number and without her permission.

Police questioned Rodrick, who had previously assisted the victim when she’d fallen ill, and he admitted opening the account without her consent. Adams said the balance on the credit card exceeded $1,400.

Rodrick will have an opportunity to address the court at sentencing.