Proposed Bill Sets Stiffer Penalties For Public Servants Who Commit Theft

Under current state law, there is no required jail time for public servants who steal public money.

Indiana Statehouse. IN.gov photo.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – An Indiana lawmaker has filed legislation that would impose tougher penalties on government officials or employees who are convicted of stealing public funds.

State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) says House Bill 1192 would require public servants who commit felony theft by stealing $750 or more in public funds to serve as least 30 days in jail as part of the sentence.

“We need to hold our public servants accountable when theft occurs,” Lauer said. “If passed, this law will be an important deterrent to discourage officials violating public trust. While I greatly appreciate our hardworking honest Hoosiers in public service, there could be a rare few who feel they can violate our trust by stealing from the public. Public servants should be held to the highest standard and when that trust is violated, they should serve time in jail.”

Currently, the penalty for theft by a public servant is up to the discretion of the judge, meaning no mandatory jail time is required.

Lauer’s proposal includes a provision that a sentence of 30 days can’t be suspended to probation, and the offender may not earn good time credit with serving the mandatory term.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Events

Lawrenceburg Police Celebrate Retirement of K9 Kilo, K9 Siri

The two K9s combined for over 20 years of service to the community.

UPDATE: Detectives Working to Establish a Motive in NKY Shooting

An individual was located early Tuesday morning along I-275 suffering from a gunshot wound

Indiana State Police Partners with DEA for Drug Take Back Day

Unwanted, unused or expired medications can be dropped off for proper disposal

Batesville Girls Win Cross Country Sectional Title

Several boys and girls teams and individuals are advancing to regionals.

Sectional Champs Crowned, Seasons End for Area Volleyball Teams

See who is moving on in the IHSAA State Tournament

Switz. Co. Advances to Semi-State with Hard-Fought Regional Title Win

The Lady Pacers will face a Top 5 opponent at Semi-State

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Luke Bryan - One Margarita

Morgan Evans Day Drunk 22:55
Mel McDaniel Lousiana Saturday Night 22:53
Dixie Chicks Tonight The Heartaches On Me 22:49
Jason Aldean Try That In A Small Town EAGLE ONLY NO INTRO IMAGING 22:45