More delays in Melodie Gliniewicz case
It could be another six months or longer before the criminal case against the widow of former Fox Lake police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz returns to a Lake County courtroom.
During a brief status hearing Monday, attorneys in the case of Melodie Gliniewicz said they are awaiting an Illinois appellate court ruling on whether prosecutors can present text and email messages shared between her and her deceased husband as evidence against her.
Lake County Judge James Booras barred the evidence in May, ruling that the state's marital privilege laws protect communications between Melodie Gliniewicz and her husband. County prosecutors appealed the decision, arguing those laws don't apply when one spouse isn't being called to testify against the other.
Melodie Gliniewicz, 52, of Antioch Township, faces charges of unlawful use of charitable funds, conspiracy and money laundering, alleging she helped her husband steal thousands of dollars earmarked for the Fox Lake police Explorer youth program. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
The accusations surfaced after Joe Gliniewicz was found shot to death Sept. 1, 2015, in a secluded area of Fox Lake. Investigators initially believed the veteran officer was killed in the line of duty, but later learned Gliniewicz killed himself and made it appear as if he'd been gunned down in an attempt to cover up the embezzlement.
Investigators claim the couple had been using explorer post money for their own purposes. Authorities say Explorer funds were used to pay for a trip to Hawaii, movie tickets, pornography websites and more than 400 restaurant charges.
Assistant Lake County State's Attorney Scott Turk said Monday appellate court prosecutors are expected to file their argument regarding the case this week. The defense will have a chance to reply, before the appellate court rules on the case.
The two sides have not set a new court date and likely will wait until the appellate court makes a final determination before returning to court.