Former Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer and Chief Deputy Ronnie Patrick are facing multiple charges after being indicted by a grand jury.
The pair have been under investigation since 2015 as part of a criminal probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds as well as missing equipment from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation began following inconsistencies in the county’s inventory found by current Sheriff Jeff Richwine.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Indiana State Police, and the use of a special prosecutor out of Marshall County. The investigation started alongside a scathing State Board of Accounts audit which allegedly found missing firearms valued at more than $7,500 and ammunition purchases surpassing $13-thousand between 2011 and 2014.
Further, the audit also concluded that Commissary Funds were allegedly used to pay for holiday and retirement celebrations and to purchase commemorative items.
County Adjusted Gross Income Tax Funds were also allegedly used to purchase $27-thousand worth of firearms. That fund is required through legislation to fund the operation and maintenance of the Pulaski County Justice Center.
Charges against Gayer include: Theft, Level 6 Felony; Theft, Class D Felony; Level 6 Felony (x2); Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony; Class D Felony; Obstruction of Justice: Class D Felony; Official Misconduct, Class D Felony; Deception, Class A Misdemeanor; Official Misconduct, Class D Felony.
He’s already turned himself in and been released on a $1,500 cash bond, according to Richwine.
Charges against Patrick include: Theft, Level 6 Felony (x2); Theft, Class A Misdemeanor; Official Misconduct, Class D Felony; Theft, Class D Felony; Official Misconduct, Class D Felony; Obstruction of Justice, Class D Felony; Official Misconduct, Class D Felony; Theft, Class D Felony; Deception, Class A Misdemeanor; Official Misconduct, Class D Felony. A bench warrant with a $1,500 cash bond has been issued for his arrest.
