Hearing Set to Discuss Gliniewicz Pension

FOX LAKE, IL - The Fox Lake Pension Board has set a May meeting to discuss whether Fox Lake village officials should be allowed to take part in talks regarding pension payments to the widow of Fox Lake Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, according to media reports.

Melodie Gliniewicz has formally applied for late husband’s pension, which leaves the decision on how much money, if any, she is entitled to in the hands of the five-person Fox Lake Pension Board. Village officials want more of a say in the process and filed a petition to intervene with the Fox Lake Police Pension Board, the Daily Herald reports.

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

On Monday, the Fox Lake Pension Board met and set a May 25 meeting to discuss the village’s application to intervene in the process, according to the Daily Herald.

“We are not taking any stance on this right now,” Village Administrator Anne Marrin told the Northwest Herald. “Right now, we want to get to the table. We want to have the discussion. We want to gain some insight, and we want it to be fair and equitable. But we feel we need that voice to do so.”

The decision on whether Melodie is eligible for her late husband’s pension is a tricky one.

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

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

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.

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 Explorer 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

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. Marrin told the Northwest Herald that over 20 years, the pension could total more than $1 million.

More via the Daily Herald and the Northwest Herald

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