Widow of Disgraced Fox Lake Lt. Joe Gliniewicz Wants His Pension

FOX LAKE, IL - The widow of disgraced Fox Lake Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz has formally applied for her late husband's pension and now it will be up to the Fox Lake Police Pension Board to decide how much money, if any, she is entitled to, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, Fox Lake village officials have filed a petition to intervene with the Fox Lake Police Pension Board with the hopes of halting any pension payments to Melodie Gliniewicz, 51, the Daily Herald reports. The pension board is expected to meet Monday to discuss Gliniewicz's application where Fox Lake officials are expected to make a formal request to halt any pension payments, according to media reports.

Lt. Gliniewicz was found shot dead in Fox Lake on Sept. 1 and a massive manhunt followed for three men who authorities initially said murdered the 30-year veteran of the Fox Lake Police Department. Gliniewicz was hailed as a hero and thousands lined streets during his funeral procession through Lake County.

Months later, authorities announced their investigation had revealed Gliniewicz actually shot himself and staged it as a murder. He had been stealing from the Fox Lake Explorers program for years and killed himself as local officials began to uncover his wrong-doings, police said.

>>> Fox Lake Lt. Gliniewicz Took His Own Life, Sources Say

In recent months, Melodie Gliniewicz has been charged in connection with the embezzlement scheme. She is accused of helping her husband steal thousands of dollars from the Fox Lake Explorers program. She is charged with conspiracy, personal use of charitable funds, misuse of charitable funds and money laundering, according to the Daily Herald. Melodie Gliniewicz has entered not guilty pleas and a trial date has been set for June.

>>> Melodie Gliniewicz Free on Bail Following Grand Jury Indictment on Money Laundering Charges

Under Illinois law, no pension benefits are given to the family members of police officers convicted of a felony related to their police work but that does not cover Gliniewicz since allegations of his wrongdoings surfaced following his death, the Lake County News Sun reports.

>>> Melodie Gliniewicz Could Still Get Disgraced Cop's Pension

Board attorney Laura Goodloe told the Northwest Herald Melodie Gliniewicz could be eligible for a pension between 50 to 75 percent of her late husband's salary, which was $96,000. The Fox Lake Police Pension Board is set to meet at 9:30 a.m. on Monday.