Highwood’s fire chief pleads not guilty to fraud charges

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Updated: January 23, 2012 8:14AM

Highwood’s suspended deputy fire chief, Ron Pieri, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to six felony charges that allege he defrauded the city by receiving pay for hours he didn’t work.

Pieri entered the plea during an arraignment hearing in Lake County Court, setting up a pretrial hearing on Feb. 8. The trial is scheduled for March 5.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Lake County Judge Daniel Shanes read Pieri the charges that include two counts of official misconduct, three counts of theft ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and one count of false entry. Sentencing guidelines call for two to 30 years in prison, depending on the count, the judge explained. Fines can reach $25,000 for each, if found guilty.

Highwood placed Pieri on paid administrative leave Nov. 2 after the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed the charges.

Additional details of the government’s case, which were revealed in court Wednesday, allege that Pieri’s timecards between Jan. 1, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2010, reflect hours he did not work. The pay in question also worked to increase his overall benefits package, said judge Shanes reading the charges.

Pieri and his wife Kathy Murphy-Pieri, a 3rd Ward city alderman, repeated Wednesday that they are unable to comment on the charges.

At the Nov. 6 Highwood City Council meeting, Aldermen Quintin Sepulveda and Daniel Andre, both of the 1st Ward, moved to reinstate Pieri to his position leading the Fire Department.

Mayor Charlie Pecaro, however, did not call the item, saying there wasn’t the requisite council support.

Pecaro added Wednesday that the city is interviewing candidates to install an interim fire chief by Jan. 1. He also said the council will discuss a proposal to hire just one public safety chief, who would head both the police and fire departments.

Meanwhile, Pecaro said staff and residents have not reported any decline in the Fire Department’s performance since Pieri was placed on administrative leave six weeks ago.

“I still think it’s a big void, but everyone has really stepped up,” Pecaro said.

Pecaro, who wouldn’t comment on the specific charges against Pieri, said the city no longer plans to conduct an internal investigation.

“All the case information is being held at the State’s Attorney’s Office,” he explained.

Pieri, 51, of the 500 block of Lockard Lane, turned himself in to Lake County Sheriff’s police on Nov. 1 and was later released on $5,000 bond.

“Through the conclusion of this matter the City Council and city manager are taking all steps that are necessary to ensure that the Fire Department will continue to function effectively in order to serve the residents of the city of Highwood,” states a Nov. 2 city news release.