Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, August 11, 2016
(WINAMAC) - Following a 12 month investigation by the Indiana State Police, former Pulaski County Sheriff Mike Gayer and former Pulaski County Chief Deputy Ron Patrick were indicted by a Grand Jury on Tuesday for criminal acts alleged to have occurred when both men were members of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department and now face charges in a case of missing firearms and misappropriated money.
In August of 2015 the Indiana State Police were contacted by Pulaski County Sheriff Jeff Richwine to investigate allegations of criminal acts by former members of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department.
Indiana State Police Detective Mike Bailey was assigned to the case and over the course of nearly a year investigation the detective discovered criminal acts likely occurred. As a result of the investigation the Pulaski County Prosecutor recommended appointment of a Special Prosecutor and the completed investigation was referred to the Marshall County Prosecutor. After reviewing the investigation the Marshall County Prosecutor recommended the evidence be reviewed by a Grand Jury.
A Grand Jury was convened and returned indictments for all alleged counts against Gayer and Patrick.
Gayer has been charged with six felonies and one misdemeanor: Two counts of theft, one count each of obstruction of justice and deception, and three counts of official misconduct.
Patrick has been charged with nine felonies and two misdemeanors: Five counts of theft, one count each of obstruction of justice and deception, and four counts of official misconduct.
Gayer turned himself in to the Pulaski County Jail on Tuesday and was subsequently processed, then posted bond and was released from jail pending his trial.
On Thursday, Patrick turned himself in to the Marshall County Sheriff's Department for processing. As of this time of this release, bond information was not available for Patrick
Gayer resigned from his post as sheriff in July 2014, months ahead of his term expiration.
Suspicions were initially raised by the current Sheriff of Pulaski County, Jeff Richwine, when he took office after Michael Gayer and started looking over the commissary log and firearm inventories and noticed inconsistencies.
An audit report by the State Board of Accounts that was released in February greatly helped the case.
That report found that between 2011 and 2014, former sheriff Michael Gayer allegedly purchased roughly $7,500 worth of unaccounted for firearms. During that same period, the report alleged the former sheriff also purchased roughly $13,000 in ammunition that didn't match the department's inventory.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.