Glendale Heights police officer accused of using village-issued credit card to pay for gas in personal vehicle

WHEATON, Ill. — A Glendale Heights police officer has been charged with theft after he allegedly used a village-issued credit card to pay for gas in his personal vehicle, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

DCSAO officials said 37-year-old Mark Garcia turned himself into authorities Friday night after he was indicted on three counts of official misconduct and two counts of theft Thursday, leading to a warrant being issued for his arrest.

The indictment alleged Garcia “exerted unauthorized control over governmental property of the Village of Glendale Heights” — A WEX Fuel gasoline card issued by the village — and spent under $500 that went toward gasoline for personal use from Feb. 16 to April 3, 2024.

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

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

According to Glendale Heights police, Garcia had been with the department since 2017 and had recently been assigned to Collateral Assignment.

Authorities said Garcia resigned from the department effective immediately, before the completion of the internal investigation.

Garcia’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 11, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

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