The widow of a suburban Chicago police officer who authorities say staged his suicide to appear he was killed on duty has applied for her late husband's pension as she awaits trial on conspiracy charges.
Melodie Gliniewicz's husband, Fox Lake police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, died Sept. 1. Authorities say he staged his suicide because he feared discovery of his embezzlement of a youth program. Melodie Gliniewicz's attorney, Brian Smith, says she is entitled to the pension. He says criminal charges she has pleaded not guilty to should have no bearing.
Administrator Anne Marrin says the village of Fox Lake hopes to have a seat at the table as the pension board deals with her request.
Pension board officials have previously said if Melodie Gliniewicz applied, the board would hold a hearing on her claim.
