Benjamin Ashford|Former police chief in Indiana arrested, faces felony charges on theft, fraud

A former Indiana police chief was arrested and Benjamin Ashfordcharged with 17 felonies on Monday.

Indiana State Police said former Rising Sun Police Chief, Harlis S. Hoover Jr, 37, was charged with bribery, official misconduct, fraud, theft and ghost employment, following a four-month investigation.

Officials said they began an investigation into Hoover in July after a someone reported that he was possibly defrauded by Hoover.

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Police say the former chief is facing multiple felonies tied to alleged fraud, theft

According to police, Hoover allegedly borrowed $10,000 from the individual to buy a car in December 2021, but there was not evidence that he ever bought the car.

Hoover then allegedly tried to convince the man to forgive the loan. Hoover still served as the Rising Sun police chief at that time.

Officials said they discovered that Hoover has also borrowed money to buy other vehicles but there was no evidence those were ever purchased either. Additionally, police allege Hoover bought and sold cars to make a profit but never signed the titles.

"Other instances of fraud, theft, and official misconduct were uncovered during the investigation," police said.

Police also accused Hoover of ghost employment, adding that during their investigation they discovered that on multiple occasions he would take care of personal businesses, often times outside his county, while claiming he was on duty in Rising Star.

He was placed on administrative leave in July, at the start of the investigation.

He's currently being held at the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center until his initial court appearance.

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