Man accused of threats in Gliniewicz case pleads not guilty
WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) — A retired Chicago police officer accused of threatening authorities investigating the death of Fox Lake police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz has pleaded not guilty.
Fifty-four-year-old Joseph A. Battaglia of Oak Lawn is accused of calling the Lake County coroner's office and threatening to hurt investigators if they didn't declare Gliniewicz's Sept. 1 death a suicide. At the time, just days into the investigation, authorities said they believed it was a homicide.
Last week, authorities announced Gliniewicz in fact killed himself after years of stealing money from a youth program he ran.
Battaglia is charged with harassment by telephone and disorderly conduct.
The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reports that defense attorney Myron Goldstin says he's negotiating with prosecutors to try to resolve the matter before the case goes to trial.
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Information from: Daily Herald, http://www.dailyherald.com