Here are some excerpts from the Chicago Tribune about the events that unfolded after a major embezzlement scandal began in December 2013:

A woman from Oak Forest, Michelle Sopko, admitted to stealing $352,000 from the Palos Heights Fire Protection District where she worked as a part-time bookkeeper. She described her actions as a “terrible mistake” and pleaded guilty to theft of government property valued at over $100,000. As part of a plea deal, she was sentenced to eight years in prison. After her sentencing, she waved goodbye to her family before being taken into custody.

The embezzlement occurred over a 30-month period between 2009 and 2012. During this time, Sopko committed 177 separate acts of theft, including paying herself for overtime she didn’t earn or qualify for. She had worked for the fire district for four years before being fired in December 2012, following the discovery that she had forged the treasurer’s signature on a check without permission.

Prosecutors revealed that Sopko also created two “ghost” employees, one of whom was a former employee, and funneled their salaries into her personal account. The stolen money was used for groceries, clothing, mortgage payments, home repairs, and travel. Assistant State’s Attorney Mike O’Malley stated that the scheme started in May 2009, just after Sopko convinced the former fire chief to let her manage payroll. From that point on, she began stealing.

While the couple's combined income remained around $100,000 per year, their spending skyrocketed after the thefts began. In 2009, they spent just under $90,000, but by 2010, that figure had jumped to $177,000, then to $187,000 in 2011, and $211,000 in 2012. Their expenses included everyday purchases as well as frequent trips across the country, including destinations like Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

The theft led to financial consequences for the fire district, including IRS penalties and the need to take out a loan to purchase firefighting equipment. In December 2013, both Michelle and her husband were arrested, though Michelle initially claimed he wasn’t involved. Her husband, who was a deputy fire chief, was later stripped of his duties but still holds the rank of lieutenant and serves on the park district board.

The Palos Heights Fire District has since filed a lawsuit to recover the stolen funds. According to attorney Sean Conway, Sopko admitted to the allegations and is unable to repay the full amount. The district has agreed to accept a partial payment of $60,000 this week, followed by annual installments of $15,000 for the next four years.

O’Malley emphasized that Sopko’s actions were driven by greed and were a calculated, systematic theft. He said she deserves every day of her prison sentence.

Thanks, Dan

For more information, check out previous posts here, here, and here.

TPU Material Wire And Cable Sleeving

Tpu Material Wire And Cable Sleeving,Wire Tpu Polyurethane,Wire Cable Polyurethane Resin,Polyester/Polyether Base Tpu Resin

Xuchuan Chemical , https://www.xctpu.com