Suburban Fire Lieutenant Charged with Pilfering Over $190,000 from Employer

An Orland Park fire lieutenant appeared in court today on Class 1 felony theft charges after he allegedly bilked the Orland Fire Protection District of over $190,000 in salary and benefits for nearly three years, claiming to be on active duty in the military.

Lawrence Masa, 42, of 105 Hickory Lane, Morris, is also charged with official misconduct. If convicted he could face up to15 years in prison.

During the time period of March 2003 to December 2006, Masa collected over $193,000 from his employer, Orland Fire Protection District, by falsely telling them that he had been called to active duty. On five separate occasions, Masa requested and was granted various leaves for each absence. Masa is not on active duty with the Armed Forces and has not been since 1988, when he was in the Army Reserves.

While on leave from the fire department, Masa worked abroad for two private firms and cleared a salary of over $200,000. Masa has been employed with the Orland Fire Protection District since 1995. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2004.

Judge Maura Slattery Boyle held Masa on a $100,000 bond. Masa will appear in court again on January 26, 2007, Branch 98, 11:00 a.m., at the Cook County Criminal Courthouse.

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