Island Lake mayor denies misconduct, forgery charges

Island Lake Mayor Thomas Hyde pleaded not guilty Thursday to criminal charges stemming from his handling of a village liquor license.

Hyde, 60, is charged with forgery and official misconduct for allegedly transferring a liquor license without village board approval. Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Christen Bishop said Hyde used correction fluid to change the name of the owner of 3D Bowl/Sideouts in March.

Bishop said the board had approved transferring the license from Jerry DeLaurentis, Jr., to his son, Jerry DeLaurentis III in anticipation of the younger man's purchase of the establishment. However, when plans to transfer ownership stalled, the younger DeLaurentis asked Hyde to reinstate the license in his father's name, Bishop said.

Bishop said Hyde used the correction fluid to erase DeLaurentis' III corporation from the license, then added the father's name to the document.

Hyde's defense attorney, Charles Smith of Waukegan, said his client had done nothing wrong, and he intends to file a motion to dismiss the charges.

Bishop said Hyde could face up to five years in prison if convicted, but would also be eligible for probation.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman scheduled a trial of the case for Jan. 12 and ordered Hyde, who is free on a signature bond, to appear in court Nov. 24.