Lake County Grand Jury Indicts Melodie Gliniewicz

During the investigation into the death of Fox Lake Police Lieutenant Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, Lake County Major Crime Task Force investigators found inconsistencies in financial documents. Specifically, it appeared non-business related monies had been withdrawn and money laundering had occurred involving the finances of the Fox Lake Police Explorer Post. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz oversaw the Fox Lake Police Explorer Post for over two decades. His wife, Melodie Gliniewicz, 51, was also found to hold a fiduciary role as an adult advisor with the Fox Lake Police Explorer Post.

On November 9, 2015, the Lake County Major Crime Task Force turned over the evidence they had uncovered, regarding the suspected criminal activity, to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

Lake County Undersheriff Ray Rose organized a team of detectives who were responsible for investigating the suspected criminal activity. This team consisted of a sergeant and three detectives who specialized in financial and computer crimes. Through the course of the investigation, sheriff’s detectives analyzed over 10,000 pages of documents, requested additional bank/business records via subpoena, requested several additional items/documents from the Village of Fox Lake, and conducted several interviews.

Undersheriff Ray Rose said, “The investigation revealed money was withdrawn from the police explorer account over the course of several years. Detectives determined this money was used to finance a number of personal expenses and personal finances. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will vigorously investigate crimes of money laundering. I’m very proud of the thorough investigation conducted by everyone involved.”

Detectives determined some of the personal expenses paid from the police explorer account included a trip to Hawaii, payments to businesses such as Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Fox Lake Theatre, and over 400 restaurant charges.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office consulted and worked closely with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office throughout this investigation. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office assigned a prosecutor on a full-time basis to review material as it became available. After reviewing the completed financial investigation, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office made the determination to present the facts to a Grand Jury.

On January 27, 2016, a Lake County Grand Jury listened to testimony regarding the facts and evidence obtained throughout this investigation. Following the testimony, the Grand Jury indicted Melodie Gliniewicz.

Melodie Gliniewicz was indicted on three counts of Disbursing Charitable Funds without Authority and for Personal Benefit (Class 2 Felonies), one count of Disbursing Charitable Funds without Authority and for Personal Benefit (Class 3 Felony), one count of Money Laundering (Class 2 Felony), and one count of Money Laundering (Class 3 Felony).
Sheriff Mark Curran said, “Fox Lake, all of Lake County, and quite frankly the entire country have been through a mix of emotions throughout the Gliniewicz investigations. It is my hope the community can continue healing and rebuilding. On behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, I would like to thank the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office for their attention and diligence through this investigation.”

Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim said, “This entire matter has been a sad and tragic saga for the Village of Fox Lake. My hope is that we will be able to close this unfortunate chapter and move forward with ensuring a professional and transparent police department dedicated to the citizens of Fox Lake. I would also thank and recognize the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, all the agencies who took part in this matter, and to the Fox Lake Police Department and village officials who aided in this investigation.”
Following the Grand Jury Indictment, a Lake County Judge issued an arrest warrant for Melodie Gliniewicz, setting bond at $50,000.00.

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