Contractor charged with defrauding O'Hare carpenters

A 44-year-old Chicago man has been charged with theft and forgery after Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office accused him of pocketing more than $270,000 meant for employees of a Melrose Park construction company where he worked.

Investigators from Madigan's office believe Mark Zwirecki defrauded 10 carpenters out of wages they were due in connection with a contract with Chicago to soundproof residences around O'Hare International Airport. Zwirecki was a longtime foreman and subcontractor at Classic Gutter Co., officials said.

Madigan's office claimed Zwirecki paid the workers “far less” than the $57.51 per hour prevailing wage they were entitled to under the contract, according to a news release. The release noted the carpenters were of Polish descent and did not speak English, but Zwirecki's ability to speak Polish aided in his ability to carry out the scheme.

Zwirecki is facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty and his bail was set at $10,000, according to the release from Madigan's office. His next court date is slated for April 7.