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Plainfield Township Supervisor facing fraud charges resigns seat, ends reelection bid

Fremarek also resigned as chair of Plainfield Township Republican Organization and as precinct committeeman

By Alex Ortiz
Plainfield Township Supervisor Anthony Fremarek presides over a Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 21, 2021, just a week after being charged with stealing about $1.3 million from a former employer.

Plainfield Township Supervisor Anthony Fremarek presides over a Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 21, 2021, just a week after being charged with stealing about $1.3 million from a former employer. (screenshot)

Plainfield Township Supervisor Tony Fremarek, who faces federal charges for allegedly stealing from a former employer, has resigned his post with the township and withdrawn from his race for reelection.

On Wednesday, Fremarek wrote a letter to the Plainfield Township Board of Trustees, which he sent to The Herald-News, telling them of his resignation, effective immediately.

“At this time, I need to direct my energies on my family and my business,” he wrote.

The brief letter made no mention of his legal issues. He was charged with wire fraud and making false statements to a financial institution in connection with the alleged embezzlement of more than $1.3 million from his former employer.

Fremarek was elected supervisor in 2013 after having served as a trustee since 2009, according to the Plainfield Township website.

“I leave office proud of the many contributions I’ve made to Plainfield Township over the past 12 years of service,” he wrote. “I know that I have made a difference through my service.”

Township Administrator Chuck Willard confirmed Wednesday that Fremarek had resigned as supervisor. He said the Board of Trustees will have to appoint a replacement to fill the position until Fremarek’s term ends in May.

“Supervisor Fremarek is obviously going to handle his personal issues and allow the township to carry on,” Willard said.

Fremarek also wrote that he would withdraw his name as a candidate for reelection. His name was the only one on the ballot for the position, though Plainfield resident Al Tinsley said he had been running a write-in campaign in an effort to unseat Fremarek.

Tinsley said he felt Fremarek did “the right thing” in resigning and added it “really helps remove the dark cloud of impropriety looming over the election.”


Al Tinsley, Plainfield Township

Plainfield resident Al Tinsley is running as a write-in candidate for Plainfield Township supervisor in the April 6, 2021 municipal election. (Provided)

Fremarek sent a letter to the Will County Clerk’s Office saying he is withdrawing as a candidate for Plainfield Township supervisor.

Charles B. Pelkie, the chief of staff for Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry, confirmed his office received Fremarek’s letter.

Fremarek also resigned his roles as chair of the Plainfield Township Republican Organization and as precinct committeeman No. 1 in the township.

Fremarek had already faced calls for his resignation earlier this month from John Argoudelis, a local attorney and candidate for mayor of Plainfield. Argoudelis had also served as Plainfield Township Supervisor before Fremarek.

During Monday’s Plainfield Village Board meeting, Trustee Harry Benton called for a vote of no confidence in Fremarek.

Fremarek failed to return multiple calls for comment.

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