A former police chief from Southern Illinois has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly selling items confiscated by his department for personal gain. Anson Fenton, 46, of Belle Rive, faces charges of misapplication of property from federally funded programs and interstate transportation of stolen property.
"Officials in positions of power must be held to the highest ethical standard, and those accused of defrauding the public will be held accountable," stated U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
Asset forfeiture is a legal process that allows authorities to seize the means or proceeds of criminal activity. Wayne City stores such items at its police department until they are authorized for sale through a city ordinance.
ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly remarked, "During our investigation, the ISP Special Investigations Unit found evidence of a public official trying to defraud Wayne City. The public must be able to trust those who work in public service."
Court documents allege that Fenton sold two motorcycles valued over $5,000 and traded another motorcycle for a 1991 Ford Mustang for his personal use.
FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson emphasized the importance of integrity in law enforcement: "The cornerstone of the public’s trust in law enforcement relies on the expectation that each person who takes the oath to protect and serve the public will do so with integrity."
An indictment serves as a formal charge but does not imply guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Fenton could face up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 per count.
The investigation is led by the Illinois State Police with assistance from the FBI Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft is handling prosecution duties.
Wayne City is located within Wayne County in Illinois' Southern District.