(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The widow of disgraced Fox Lake Police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz will serve 24 months' probation for her role in the embezzlement of public money.
A Lake County judge on Tuesday handed down the sentence for Melodie Gliniewicz following her guilty plea to a single count of deceptive practices.
The sentencing brings to a close a saga that began in 2015, when Lt. Gliniewicz was found shot to death in what appeared to be a line-of-duty death. Later, authorities revealed he killed himself as investigators uncovered evidence of his theft.
Authorities said the officer had been stealing money from the police department's Youth Explorers post and that his spouse was complicit.
A tearful Melodie Gliniewicz told the judge she's sorry for what happened.
She said she could not find a job because of her name.
“But I think the worst is the continual desecration of my husband’s grave.”
Lake County Judge James Booras said: “It is a tragedy no matter what. No one gains by anything I’m doing at this juncture I’m doing today, but I must do what is required of me to do.”
