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The ongoing saga of the former Highwood Fire Department deputy chief has once again resurfaced in the spotlight as a trial has finally commenced after years of delays. This issue initially surfaced in 2013, and despite the passage of time, the controversy remains unresolved. Several recent articles delve into the details of the case.
From excerpts provided by the Chicago Tribune:
Prosecutor Scott Turk painted a vivid picture of the defendant, Ronald Pieri, describing him as a "disgruntled employee" who allegedly sought to exploit his position for personal gain. Turk argued in his opening statement that Pieri's discontent and greed led him to falsify time records, claiming additional compensation for work that could have been completed within his regular 24-hour shift. According to Turk, the state's evidence suggests Pieri is guilty of official misconduct, theft, and false entries, resulting in a financial loss of approximately $58,676 for Highwood taxpayers.
In contrast, Pieri's defense team highlighted inconsistencies in the calculations presented by the prosecution. Defense attorney Julie Trewarthen emphasized that experts have produced multiple sets of figures, each differing slightly, casting doubt on the reliability of the state's data. She argued that the prosecution's case hinges on shaky ground, stating, "It is this flawed, faulty and unreliable evidence on which the state’s entire case is based."
The trial began after Pieri waived his right to a jury trial, proceeding before Judge Victoria Rossetti. Pieri, who was the highest-ranking member of the department and married to a sitting alderwoman at the time of his arrest, was charged in 2011 with falsifying time records and claiming unjustified compensation from 2006 to 2010.
Former Highwood Fire Chief Thomas Lovejoy, the only witness on the first day, described Pieri as a shift commander who was expected to maintain his responsibilities despite being elevated to the role of deputy fire chief. Lovejoy noted that Pieri was originally a shift commander but was granted a 20% pay raise in June 2007, making him an exempt employee and ineligible for overtime.
The prosecution also revealed instances where Pieri submitted time sheets without the fire chief's approval, further complicating the narrative. Despite these revelations, the most severe theft charge, involving over $100,000, was dropped. Pieri still faces potential prison time and pension forfeiture if convicted.
The city placed Pieri on paid administrative leave in 2011, and he continued to receive his salary until 2013 when a formal complaint led to his suspension without pay. The fire and police board is awaiting the trial's outcome to decide on Pieri's employment status.
The defense has countered by arguing that Pieri was underpaid for his work and cited the city's poor record-keeping as a contributing factor to the discrepancies. The trial is expected to continue with additional witnesses.
Further developments emerged on the second day of the trial, with several colleagues testifying about Pieri's absences and early departures. Jason Noga, a fellow firefighter, recounted covering for Pieri and managing his time cards. Additionally, Lovejoy testified that he felt pressured to promote Pieri to deputy fire chief, despite believing the role was not suitable for the department's structure.
On the third day, Susannah Huber, a fraud analyst for the Lake County State’s Attorney's office, presented a detailed analysis showing disparities between Pieri's time cards and the department's software records. However, defense attorney Julie Trevarthen questioned the accuracy of these calculations, pointing to a previous audit by McGrath Consulting Group that found no evidence of fraud.
Benjamin Wilner, a defense expert and economist, testified on the fourth day, emphasizing the unreliability of the prosecution's data. Wilner suggested that the discrepancies in the calculations raised significant doubts about the integrity of the state's case.
As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen whether the prosecution can substantiate its claims beyond a reasonable doubt. The outcome will likely have lasting implications for Pieri's career and the credibility of the city's administrative practices.