Ex-Elburn firefighter accused of falsifying payroll records to collect more than $18K

ELBURN – A former lieutenant on the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District has been accused of falsifying his scheduling and payroll records to improperly collect more than $18,000, according to a news release, court records and the department’s attorney.

Greg M. Algrim, 45, of the 800 block of North First Street, Elburn, has been charged with 14 felony and six misdemeanor counts of theft, according to a news release and charging documents.

Algrim allegedly falsified the records, resulting in him collecting $18,522.22 in unearned pay through 17 payroll transactions from July 5, 2019 to Sept. 10, 2021, according to the charging documents.

An assistant chief discovered the alleged theft in November as part of a routine payroll exam, according to the release. Algrim was placed on paid administrative leave while the district and Elburn police investigated, the release stated.

“Once the event was discovered, we had a conversation with the employee and it resulted in his resignation from the department,” village attorney Shawn Flaherty said.

According to the resignation agreement, released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, Algrim agreed to resign on Nov. 24, 2021.

According to the agreement, the department agreed to terminate any pending disciplinary action against him, but without waiving its right to seek civil damages. Algrim agreed not to seek payment of any accrued but unused vacation or personal time; the department agreed to provide a neutral employment verification regarding Algrim’s time there; Algrim also agreed to waive any rights or claims of age discrimination.

At the time of his resignation, Algrim was earning an annual salary of $104,659.35, according to fire department records.

Kane County Judge Julia Yetter issued an arrest warrant for Algrim, who surrendered to Elburn police Feb. 1. Bond was set at $10,000, with 10% or $1,000 to apply for bail, which Algrim posted, according to the news release.

He is scheduled to appear in court March 1.

According to the felony charging documents, Algrim altered payroll records 13 times from July 5, 2019 to Sept. 10, 2021, each time for more than $500 but less than $10,000 in amounts including $1,299.60, $1,332.00, $1,365.12 and $839.33.

According to the misdemeanor charging documents, Algrim altered payroll records six times, in amounts of $433.20 three times, and once each of $406.13, $444.00 and $330.90.

The 14th felony charge states that Algrim “engaged in a series of acts … the last of which occurred on or about Aug. 27, 2021, (in which he) knowingly obtained or exerted unauthorized control over property of the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District … having a total value in excess of $10,000 but not in excess of $100,000…”

The most serious charges Algrim faces are the 14 Class 3 felonies, punishable by two to five years in prison and fines up to $25,000 on each count, if convicted. The Class A misdemeanor charges are punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500 on each count, if convicted.

Algrim has no attorney of record listed in court documents and attempts to call him for comment were unsuccessful.