Former Police Chief Indicted for Selling Forfeited Property
EAST ST. LOUIS — Anson Fenton, the former police chief of Wayne City, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the misappropriation of property seized by his department. The indictment includes one count of misapplication of property from federally funded programs and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
Fenton, 46, from Belle Rive, allegedly sold two seized motorcycles valued over $5,000 and traded one for a 1991 Ford Mustang for personal gain. The asset forfeiture process allows law enforcement to confiscate property obtained through criminal activities, which is typically held until local authorities approve its sale. "Officials in positions of power must be held to the highest ethical standard," stated U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe, emphasizing that those who defraud the public will face justice.
Brendan F. Kelly, Director of the Illinois State Police, highlighted the investigation’s goal of upholding public trust in law enforcement, asserting that environmental accountability is essential for those in public service. FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson added that his agency is dedicated to investigating and addressing any actions that undermine the law and compromise the integrity of honest officers serving the community.
An indictment is formally a charge against an individual, and Fenton is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, he faces potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching $250,000 per count. The Illinois State Police is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI Springfield Field Office, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft.
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