Callaghan’s Attorney: ‘We Demand a Speedy Trial’

Dennis R. Callaghan sat calmly as a Cook County States Attorney handed over police reports containing accusations of his theft from the Wilmette Park District.

“We demand a speedy trial,” said Frank DiFranco, Callaghan’s attorney, during the hearing held at Skokie courthouse.

“The charges brought toward my client are vague and we look forward to our day in court, when the full charges will be revealed," DiFranco said, noting that police reports handed over from the Cook County States Attorney Wednesday were only two pages.  

Meanwhile, the Cook County States Attorney is accusing of Callaghan stealing $14,000 between January 2009 and August 2010, spokesperson Andy Conklin said.

“He was undercharging individuals at the golf course and then pocketing the difference,” Andy Conklin told Patch. “He would ring them up that they had bought gift cards and then just take the cash so the drawers would even out.”

Callaghan, a former PGA golf professional, was an employee at the Wilmette golf course since 1987. Authorities began investigating the 49-year-old Northbrook resident in August 2010 after being notified by the park district. Callaghan resigned from his managerial position that same month.

Wilmette police arrested Callaghan on June 2 for felony theft charges after a nearly year-long investigation. After being held overnight in the Wilmette police station, he posted a $50,000 bond the following day.

Callaghan will appear in court on July 22 for a preliminary hearing. During that time, Callaghan likely will be indicted before a grand jury and make a plea, said Landon Girard, a Wilmette detective heading up the investigations.

Check back with Patch for more details on the Callaghan case.