Accused Embezzler Sopko Back on Oak Forest Payroll, House Arrest Loosened

A Cook County Circuit judge last week agreed to ease the restrictions of the house arrest conditions for Charles Sopko, the husband in a pair accused of embezzling from a Palos Heights fire protection district. 

Sopko and his wife are suspected of swindling roughly $350,000 from the district, from 2009 through 2012. Sopko's lawyer argued that his restrictions should be lessened, in light of his compliance with court dates and his efforts to return to work. Judge Hynes lifted Sopko's nightly curfew, Sun-Times Media reports. 

Michelle Sopko is charged with felony theft, conducting a financial crimes enterprise, identity theft, official misconduct and forgery. She was fired from her job as a part-time bookkeeper/administrative assistant with the fire district in December 2012. It's alleged that she funneled $352,000 from the district's payroll and accounts payable system into the couple's bank account over the course of 30 months. 

Charles Sopko, Oak Forest's former deputy fire chief, faces charges of felony theft, conducting a financial criminal enterprise and forgery. 

Sopko was removed as Oak Forest Deputy Fire Chief, but still holds the rank of lieutenant. Aldermen last month voted 4-2 to reinstate his pay at that level; he has yet to return to active duty, Sun-Times Media reports. 

Michelle resigned from her role on the Arbor Park District 145 Board of Education a month after their arrest. The board appointed Rhonda Ceska to fill her seat for the remainder of her term. Charles Sopko has been a commissioner on the Oak Forest Park District Board since 2003, and his seat will be up for re-election in 2015. 

Sopko's attorney said he would like to return to the fire department, but the city's legal counsel advised it would expose the city to possible liabilities. 

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