Proposed Bill Sets Stiffer Penalties For Public Servants Who Commit Theft

Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 11:24 AM

By Travis Thayer

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.