Update: Trooper accused of embezzling is arrested

November 30, 2010|By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

ELKHART COUNTY — Dallard Tackett, a former Indiana State Police trooper was arrested Tuesday morning. He faces a host of charges for allegedly stealing state funds.

Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill said Tackett, who remains in police custody in lieu of $100,000 bond, will answer to charges stemming from allegations he embezzled more than $90,000.

Hill said in August Tackett “engaged in behavior that led to suspicions” regarding his handling of Indiana State Police funds.

The suspicions were reported to Indiana State Police and an investigation began on August 20.

Hill said Tackett resigned from his post the same day.

Tackett was then briefed by state police in early September, then weeks later an Elkhart County judge granted a request to freeze his assets.

An Indiana State Police investigation was completed in mid-October. Hill said his office reviewed the file.

Over a three year period, Tackett allegedly used his position as a Lieutenant and former Indiana Toll Road district commander for the Indiana State Police post in Bristol to transfer state funds into his own personal account.

Hill said the investigation was extensive and detailed multiple financial transactions that “touched not only Elkhart County, but Marshall, St. Joseph, Porter, LaPorte and Lagrange counties.”

There was enough evidence to charge Tackett with 17 criminal counts including six counts of forgery, a Class C felony, 10 counts of theft, a Class D felony, and one count of official misconduct, a Class D felony.

Hill said the Class C felonies are punishable by up to eight years in prison. Class D felonies carry a three year sentence.

"This is someone of trust, this is someone who has authority, this is someone who carries a badge and a gun and has the authority to exercise that type of control over the citizenry," said Hill. "That person (Tackett) we allege has corrupted this process."

If Tackett is found guilty, he could be ordered to pay restitution.

Tackett's initial hearing will be scheduled in the coming days.

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