Melodie Gliniewicz, widow of shamed Fox Lake Police Lieutenant Joe Gliniewicz, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to four new charges accusing her of joining her husband in looting the funds of the Police Explorer post he led.
The Lake County lieutenant killed himself last September, in what was described as an "elaborate hoax" simulating his own murder, to cover what were in fact his financial misdeeds.
After initially being charged with six counts of financial crimes, Melodie Gliniewicz was re-indicted last month on four new counts, including the taking of charitable funds for personal use, and three of counts of conspiracy.
The charges carry a potential jail term of up to seven years, or if so-called "special circumstances"are applied, up to 14.
Gliniewicz made no comment in court, save for an acknowledgement that she wanted to plead not guilty.
Her attorney, Donald Morrison, indicated he intends to challenge the constitutionality of the underlying statute in the case. Judge Victoria Rossetti set the next hearing for May 17th, with a potential trial date in June.
