The street superintendent of Geneva is free on bail following a grand jury indictment last Friday alleging that he purchased $24,000 of personal items with a city credit card.
Stephen LeMaire, 55, of the 400 block of Banbury Avenue, Elburn, was charged with theft, on-line theft by deception and official misconduct, all felony crimes that are punishable by jail time and a fine of up to $25,000.
LeMaire had worked for the City of Geneva for 33 years, but was dismissed from his position Saturday, according to a statement from the city administrator’s office.
LeMaire is accused of using a city credit card from 2004 until last year to purchase various outdoor clothing items and equipment that did not appear to be for city use, police said.
The alleged crime was detected on Jan. 11 when the Director of Public Works noticed the suspicious purchases on the credit card statement, according to police. LeMaire was placed on unpaid administrative leave on Jan. 12.
An investigation over the next three weeks found unauthorized purchases had been made as far back as 2004, with most of the items obtained from on-line internet retailers and being shipped to LeMaire at the Geneva Public Works facility, according to police.
Police said LeMaire surrendered Saturday and was released after posting 10 percent of $25,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Mar. 7.
LeMaire is charged with theft from $10,000 to $100,000, a Class 1 felony that includes a possible sentence of 4-15 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. He also is charged with on-line theft by deception, greater than $300, a Class 2 felony punishable by 3-7 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines. He also is accused of official misconduct to obtain personal advantage, a Class 3 felony with 2-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
“We have confidence in the state’s attorney to prosecute this case to the fullest extent allowable,” Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said Monday. “We are equally confident that the message has been sent already that the City of Geneva takes its fiduciary role very seriously and will not tolerate misconduct.”
Geneva Director of Public Works Dan Dinges has been overseeing street operations. City officials said recruitment and selection of another street superintendent will occur in the near future.
