Gliniewicz hearing to dismiss charges set for Monday
The first of what could be several hearings to determine the fate of charges filed against Melodie Gliniewicz will begin Monday in Lake County court.
Judge James Booras scheduled the hearing for attorneys to argue whether to dismiss two counts of unlawful use of charitable funds against Gliniewicz, 52, of Antioch Township.
Attorneys also will argue if the case should go to trial, if Booras should dismiss the remaining counts against her, or if a second hearing is needed to decide the remaining charges. If another hearing is needed, Booras will set the date Monday.
Melodie Gliniewicz faces nine felony and misdemeanor counts of conspiracy, unlawful use of charitable funds for personal gain and money laundering. She has denied the accusations.
The charges were filed after investigators discovered her deceased husband, Fox Lake police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, killed himself Sept. 1, 2015, to cover up the theft of funds from Fox Lake Law Enforcement Explorer Post 300, authorities said. Charles Gliniewicz staged his death to appear as if he'd been killed in the line of duty, authorities said.
Investigators claimed the couple were using money donated to the Explorer post for their own purposes. Melodie Gliniewicz served as a civilian adviser to the post her husband founded, authorities said.
Investigators found money from the Explorer fund was used to pay for a trip to Hawaii, movie tickets and at least 400 restaurant charges, authorities allege.
Defense attorney Donald Morrison has said in court documents the criminal charges against Melodie Gliniewicz should be dropped because Charles Gliniewicz was the only person in control of Explorer post bank accounts between 2009 and March 2015. Because Melodie Gliniewicz had no control over the funds, she should not be held responsible for any theft that may have occurred, Morrison said.
Assistant State's Attorney Scott Turk has argued in rebuttal documents that she is legally accountable for her late husband's conduct because they shared a criminal intent.
Turk is also asking Booras to withhold any decisions on the constitutionality of the charges until after her trial concludes.
Gliniewicz's trial is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 6.