BENTON, Ill. (AP) — A southeastern Illinois accountant faces a 40-count federal indictment alleging that he stole more than $1.5 million from an elderly client and used the money on personal expenses.

The indictment unsealed Thursday accuses 52-year-old Kevin Williams of Mount Carmel of 35 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering.

Authorities allege Williams befriended an elderly Mount Carmel woman, and then exerted influence over her investments and income distribution. Prosecutors also say he altered her will and trust documents so he could inherit more of her money upon her death.

Williams provided the victim with bogus account statements that falsely suggested her money was safely invested.

Williams was arraigned Thursday in Benton.

His public defender declined Friday to comment on the case.