An Illinois lawmaker is proposing legislation prohibiting pension benefits for a survivor of an official if the beneficiary is guilty of crimes connected to the deceased relative. The bill introduced last week is inspired by the case of a suburban Chicago police officer who authorities say staged his suicide last year because he feared discovery for his embezzlement of a youth program.
The wife of Fox Lake police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, MelodieGliniewicz, applied for her husband's pension while she awaits trial on conspiracy charges. She has pleaded not guilty.
Melodie Gliniewicz is eligible for up to 75% of her husband's $96,000 salary.
The proposed measure would not apply to Gliniewicz, only future cases. The earliest the bill could be heard is during the November fall session.
