Posted on 02/12/2026 12:31:10 PM PST by E. Pluribus Unum
Former Cook County Judge Patricia Martin, who served 24 years on the bench including as presiding judge of the juvenile court's child protection division and was appointed to a national commission by President Obama, was entrusted with managing the finances of Oscar Lawton Wilkerson (also referred to as Lawton Wilkerson or Oscar Wilkerson Jr.), a Tuskegee Airman, WWII veteran, and longtime family friend (related through marriage as a niece of his former wife). This occurred after Wilkerson, then in his mid-90s, moved into a Southside/Orland Park retirement/nursing home around late 2020.
Court records and reports indicate Martin made 11 withdrawals over 18 months from Wilkerson's accounts, totaling more than $245,000 (some sources cite nearly $250,000 or higher figures like over $380,000 in related claims), shutting down accounts without notification, and transferring much of the money into cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) in her name. Issues surfaced in August 2020 when checks to the facility were dishonored, leaving Wilkerson $41,000 behind and facing potential eviction. Martin allegedly evaded contact, ignored court orders to halt transactions, and failed to appear at hearings.
A civil lawsuit was filed on Wilkerson's behalf. In 2023, after Martin failed to respond or provide records, a judge ordered her to pay over $1.1–1.2 million (triple damages plus fees/costs). Martin appealed and had the judgment overturned in part due to Wilkerson's death on February 8, 2023 (shortly before his 97th birthday).
The Illinois Supreme Court disbarred Martin in September 2023 after she admitted misconduct would be clearly and convincingly established.
Criminally, Martin was indicted in November 2023 on seven felony counts, including theft, financial exploitation of an elderly person, money laundering, and financial institution fraud. Late in 2025 (December 5, 2025), she pleaded guilty to one count of theft ($100,000–$500,000 value), was sentenced to four years of probation, and ordered to pay $122,763.73 in restitution.
Wilkerson's loved ones described him as a wonderful person and plan to file another lawsuit to recover the funds. Martin continues to receive her government pension and declined comment.
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Straight to Prison !
Judge Martin was disbarred and indicted on seven felony counts in 2023: theft, financial exploitation of an elderly person, money laundering, and bank fraud. Late 2025, she pleaded guilty to one count of $100,000–$500,000 theft, sentenced to four years probation, and ordered to pay $122,763.73 restitution.
Where she belongs.
At what prices did she buy Bitcoin at? It seems germane to the conversation.
You see I likes bitcoin and I didn’t want to use my money ,LOL
Hah
Above the law. She already did her time pushin’ pancakes before she became a judge by filing out an application on a book of matches.
Anybody notice how the mammies of all colors are getting all those jobs where there is lots of easy access to the big tax dollars stolen from the American people?
” appointed to a national commission by President Obama”
Here’s a hint.
It’s a big club, and we aren’t black enough to be in it.
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