Trial for Former Deputy Fire Chief Charles Sopko Begins July 20

It’s unclear if Charles Sopko will have a chance to speak on his own behalf, in a trial during which a Cook County Judge will determine if he went along with his wife’s embezzling about $352,000 from the Palos Heights Fire Protection District.

Judge Kerry Kennedy on Tuesday scheduled a July 20 trial date for Sopko, 48, who is charged with felony theft of more than $100,000 in government property, Chicago Tribune reports.

Michelle Sopko pleaded guilty in March, after prosecutors said she redirected more than $350,000 from the fire district where she worked from 2008 to 2012, into the bank account she shared with her husband. Her schemes included paying herself overtime and paying salaries for two “ghost” employees. She was sentenced to eight years in prison; her family members are repaying $120,000 to the fire district.

She and her husband were arrested in December 2013. Charles Sopko was Oak Forest’s deputy fire chief. He still holds the rank of lieutenant and is currently on paid leave. Prior to the April 2015 election, he sat on the Oak Forest Park District Board of Commissioners. He opted not to run for re-election. His wife served on the Board of Education for Arbor Park District 145, but relinquished her seat shortly after her arrest.

Throughout the couple’s ordeal, Michelle has maintained that Charles was not aware of the swindled funds. She is currently incarcerated at Decatur Correctional Center, and on July 22 will ask a judge for a shortened sentence. She could be out on parole as soon as February 2019.