Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a former Alton police officer with theft and wire fraud, alleging the officer stole funds from the Alton Police Department Benevolent and Protective Association while employed by the department.
Jeremiah T. Dressler, 41, of Brighton, Illinois, faces one count of Class 2 felony theft, one count of Class 2 felony theft by deception, and three counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud. Each Class 2 felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison, while each Class 3 felony carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. Sentences are determined by the court and may run concurrently. Dressler turned himself in to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office after a warrant was issued for his arrest. His next court date is scheduled for August 9.
“The public should be able to rely on law enforcement officers to abide by the laws they swear to uphold, and so should their fellow officers,” Raoul stated. “I would like to thank the Illinois State Police for their work investigating this case. My office will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to investigate and hold accountable public servants who abuse their positions for their own financial gain.”
The Illinois State Police (ISP) Special Investigations Unit conducted the investigation.
“No one is above the law, especially those who swear an oath to uphold the law,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP’s Special Investigations Unit will thoroughly investigate cases of public corruption to help maintain the public’s trust in those charged with serving their community.”
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant Attorneys General Haley C. Bookhout and Steven R. Sallerson are prosecuting the case for Attorney General Raoul’s office.