Ex-mayor denies official misconduct

A former Island Lake mayor denied Thursday he concealed his ownership of a gas station where he insisted that village vehicles get their fuel and service.

Charles Amrich, 59, pleaded not guilty to five counts of official misconduct and faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Assistant State's Attorney Christen Bishop said Amrich, who was mayor from 1985 to 2005, failed to list his ownership of the station on statements of economic interest he was required to file between 1993 and 2005.

Amrich, of 811 River Oaks Court, was arrested as a result of the same investigation that snared former clerk Christine Becker.

Becker is charged with destroying crucial village computer files on April 7, 2005, two days after she lost a bid for election to a second term.

Becker, of 3710 Eastway Drive, has pleaded not guilty to charges of official misconduct and computer tampering.

Circuit Judge Victoria Rossetti scheduled a trial of Amrich's case for Dec. 7 and ordered him to appear in court Oct. 29.