A 56-year-old Lake in the Hills man is facing fraud and theft charges after being accused of bilking a couple he met at church out of thousands of dollars intended for mortgage payments on the couple’s home.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office said Carlos Meza was supposed to have helped refinance the couple’s mortgage but never actually did. Instead, prosecutors said, Meza forged signatures and deposited checks the couple gave him into his own bank account.

Meza’s scheme ran from May 2013 to March 2014, authorities said.

The couple have since lost their home, Madigan’s office reported.

Meza was charged with bank fraud and theft Wednesday.

McHenry County sheriff’s officials said Meza has been released on bond. His next court date is Feb. 1.