Bensenville Parks Under Investigation For Theft: Cops

BENSENVILLE, IL – Bensenville police say they are investigating the local park district, apparently for some type of theft.

On Aug. 1, the White Pines Community Alliance, which includes residents between Elmhurst and Bensenville, filed a public records request with the village of Bensenville.

The group sought all records about the theft of supplies, services, cash or credit refunds in any division of the Bensenville Park District.

In its response Monday, the village said it has not finished its police report and that the case is under investigation.

"As it is the Village's policy not to disclose information of ongoing investigations, I regrettably must deny your request under (the Freedom of Information Act)," Deputy Village Clerk Corey Williamsen said in a letter.

Williamsen invited the group to check in with him for weekly updates.

The park district also declined to release records. It cited the exemption under the open records law that allows secrecy if the release of information interferes with police proceedings. The district said it consulted its lawyer.

The district's executive director, Joe Vallez, did not return calls for comment Wednesday. Patch left messages at the Bensenville Park District and the North Berwyn Park District, which Vallez also heads.

Recently, the Bensenville Park District board scrapped a proposal to sell nearly half of the White Pines Golf Club. Now, it is considering a referendum asking voters about whether it should go $20 million into debt for golf club improvements.