CHICAGO — On September 11, around 2:00PM, a male subject contacted the Lake County Coroner’s Office via telephone. The subject blocked his telephone number preventing his information from appearing on the caller identification.
The subject said he was a “retired police officer” and threatened to harm all of the Task Force members, as well as all of the other investigators involved in the death investigation of Fox Lake Police Lieutenant Gliniewicz. These threats included Coroner Rudd and Coroner’s Office employees, unless all the involved personnel declare Gliniewicz’ death a suicide.
Upon learning of the threats, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division immediately launched an investigation. Sheriff’s Detectives determined the threatening telephone call was made by Joseph A. Battaglia (54), of the 5600 block of West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn.
During the course of the investigation, it was determined Battaglia is a retired Chicago Police Officer. Battaglia has had zero involvement in the investigation of Lieutenant Gliniewicz.
In addition to making the threatening telephone call to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, Sheriff’s Detectives learned Battaglia had called other police agencies and several media outlets over the last several days. As of recent, some media outlets have reported on obtaining information from an anonymous source even after being told the information is inaccurate.
It is unknown at this time if Battaglia is one of the “sources” media outlets have reported on regarding this investigation. Battaglia’s phone records show he has communicated with several media outlets during a similar time period.
On September 12, 2015 an arrest warrant was issued for Battaglia for two counts of Disorderly Conduct.
