Illinois Acting Chief Charged With Felony Theft

Posted by: Curt Varone November 3, 2011 0

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.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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