An acting fire chief in Illinois has been placed on paid administrative leave and charged with one count of theft related to the falsification of hours. Deputy Chief Ronald Pieri of the City of Highwood Fire Department is facing felony charges brought by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
The Chicago Tribune has cited court documents that indicate the amount in question is between $10,000 and $100,000 for hours not actually worked. City officials have indicated they are unsure about whether Chief Pieri is accused of falsely claiming regular hours or overtime hours.
Chief Pieri’s wife, Kathy Murphy-Pieri, is on the Highwood city council.