Gliniewicz “Marital Privilege” Shot Down in Appellate Court

(Waukegan, IL) An Appellate Court has shot down a Lake County Judge’s ruling that marital privilege protects the widow of a former Fox Lake Police officer in a money laundering case.

Melodie Gliniewicz was charged after her husband Joe Gliniewicz committed suicide back in 2015. Officials say he stole money from a youth police program, and used it for personal gain.

The defense in the case hasn’t made a specific comment on the ruling by the Appellate Court, but could appeal once again.

The marital privilege argument would have meant that prosecutors couldn’t use text messages and emails between husband and wife to prove their case.

Prosecutors say Melodie waived that right during their investigation into her husband’s death.