The former Geneva streets superintendent accused of using a city credit to make more than $24,000 in unauthorized purchases will have his next day in court on May 24 in Courtroom 319 of the Kane County Judicial Center, 37W777 Route 38, St. Charles.

During a status hearing held April 19 at the judicial center, it was mentioned in open court by the defense that the state has made a plea offer.

An article in the Kane County Chronicle confirms that attorney Matthew Hachigian, who was representing LeMaire on behalf of attorney John Carbon, said the city has extended a plea offer that calls for some sort of restitution of funds.

A Geneva Patch call to John Carbon's office was not returned.

On March 7, LeMaire pleaded not guilty to charges of theft, online theft and misappropriation of funds.

Theft is a Class 1 felony carrying a possible sentence of four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with a fine of up to $25,000. Online theft by deception is a Class 2 felony with a possible sentence of three to seven years and up to a $25,000 fine. Official misconduct is a Class 3 felony with a possible sentence of two to five years and up to a $25,000 fine.

The city credit card charges were discovered when Geneva Public Works Director Dan Dinges checked on some of LeMaire's expenditures while LeMaire was on vacation.

LeMaire was suspended from work on Jan. 12 and dismissed from his position on Feb. 4, after serving 33 years with the city's Public Works Department.