Former Lisle golf pro charged with theft, misconduct

A former pro at Lisle Park District's River Bend Golf Course has been charged with theft and official misconduct for allegedly stealing more than $10,000 while employed as superintendent of golf, authorities said.

Terry Remke, 46, of McHenry, turned himself in at the DuPage County sheriff's office Thursday and was released after posting 10 percent of a $300,000 bench warrant, authorities said.

Remke was a 14-year employee at the district-owned course. He resigned without explanation on May 10, 2007.

In a written statement, the DuPage state's attorney's office said authorities believe Remke used numerous schemes to steal money from the district between 2005 and May 2007.

In some cases, Remke would accept checks from organizations sponsoring golf outings. Instead of issuing a receipt for the greens fees, he would put the checks in the cash register as a purchase of merchandise from the pro shop. Authorities believe he then would steal items equaling the amount of the check and sell them.

In addition, investigators said they believe Remke at times would issue duplicate receipts to golfers and pocket their greens fees. They also charge he would allow friends to use the facility without paying.

Paul Darrah, spokesman for the state's attorney's office, said park leaders discovered the missing money and "conducted their own internal fact-finding if you will."

They then contacted the state's attorney's office.

In a written statement issued late Thursday, park officials said they discovered what appeared to be questionable financial practices at the golf course in spring 2007 after making changes in their fiscal control procedures.

Remke resigned a short time later.

The district continued its review of financial practices at the course but determined it lacked the resources "to effectively conduct a comprehensive investigation," according to its statement.

Executive Director Dan Garvy referred the matter to the state's attorney's office on May 30, 2007.

"When the park district first referred this matter to the state's attorney's office in May of last year, we stated that one of our objectives was to obtain restitution from any person who may have misappropriated or otherwise misused park district funds or property," the district said in its statement. "That remains our goal today."

District officials said they have implemented additional financial safeguards at River Bend and other district facilities.

No court date has been set for Remke, Darrah said.