Glendale Heights police officer fired, charged with theft after allegedly using credit card to fuel his own vehicle

WHEATON, Ill. — A Glendale Heights police officer was fired and charged with theft after allegedly using a village-issued credit card to pay for gas in his personal vehicle, according to a press release from the District Attorney's Office. DuPage County State (DCSAO). .

DCSAO officials said Mark Garcia, 37, turned himself in to authorities Friday evening after being charged with three counts of official misconduct and two counts of theft Thursday, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant against him.

The indictment alleged that Garcia “exercised unauthorized control over Village of Glendale Heights government property” – a village-issued WEX Fuel gas card – and spent less than $500 on gasoline for personal use from February 16 to April 3, 2024.

The indictment also stated that the alleged thefts were discovered by authorities with the Glendale Heights Police Department (GHPD) who, after conducting an investigation, forwarded their findings to the DCSAO for prosecution.

“Our job as police officers is to enforce the law, and this is a stark reminder that no one is above the law and that we are all responsible for our actions,” said GHPD Police Chief, George Pappas. “I thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his Public Integrity Unit for presenting this case to a grand jury.”

Garcia's next appearance is scheduled for July 11, 2024 for arraignment before Judge Ann Celine O'Hallaren Walsh.