Former Pulaski County Sheriff Mike Gayer and his chief deputy, Ronnie Patrick made their initial appearances in Pulaski Superior Court, where they each face multiple felony charges. A Pulaski County Grand Jury returned an 11-count indictment against Patrick and a seven-count indictment against Gayer last month.
They are accused of stealing weapons and ammunition from the sheriff’s department following an investigation launched by the Indiana State Police in 2015. Current Sheriff Jeff Richwine contacted them after discovering inconsistencies in the county’s inventory when he took over the position. Gayer retired in December of 2014 after serving two terms as sheriff. Patrick left the sheriff’s department in July of 2014 to take a job as a civilian contractor for the State Department.
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.
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.
Both men turned themselves in last month and posted bond immediately. They entered not guilty pleas during their initial hearings yesterday before Special Judge Michael Shurn. Gayer’s attorney also filed a motion requesting the release of grand jury testimony. That motion will be heard on Oct. 19th when Gayer returns to court.
Patrick is due back in court on Oct. 11th.
