Full Notification

For Immediate Release:

Palos Heights, IL (12/19/2013) - The Palos Heights Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department announce the arrests of Michelle Sopko, 45, and Charles Sopko, 47, both of the 5200 block of Kathleen Ct, Oak Forest, IL. Michelle Sopko was arrested during a traffic stop and Charles Sopko was arrested at his residence. Both have been charged with one count of theft of governmental property over $100,000.00, a class X felony. Both arrests stemmed from a $400,000.00 cash warrant, issued 12/17/2013.

Michelle Sopko previously worked as a part-time administrative assistant for the Palos Heights Fire Protection DIstrict. Chief George L. Yott, Jr. advised, "Although the Palos Heights Fire Protection District is not a City of Palos Heights agency, we are saddened that someone who was put in a position of the public trust would violate that trust" On February 4, 2013, The Palos Heights Police Department was notified of missing funds from the Palos Heights Fire Protection District. An investigation was launched and the assistance of the Cook County Sheriff's Police Financial Crimes Unit was requested. Through the investigation, it was learned that Michelle Sopko had allegedly funneled over $350,000.00 from the Palos Heights Fire Protection District to an account that was shared with her husband, Charles Sopko, Deputy Fire Chief of the Oak Forest Fire Department.

Members of the Oak Forest Police Department were instrumental in the investigation and arrest of both subjects. Michelle and Charles Sopko were held at the Palos Heights Police Facility and were both taken to a bond hearing on 12/20/2013 at the 5th District Courthouse in Bridgeview.