A former police officer from Alton, Illinois, is facing charges of theft and fraud, brought by Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The ex-officer, identified as Jeremiah T. Dressler, 41, is accused of illicitly acquiring funds from the Alton Police Department Benevolent and Protective Association, as announced on the Attorney General's official website.
Dressler is facing one count of Class 2 felony theft that could lead to up to seven years in prison, one count of Class 2 felony theft by deception, also carrying a maximum of seven years, and three counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud, with each count punishable by up to five years behind bars. These charges, issued Friday, follow Dressler's self-surrender to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, after an arrest warrant was announced. His court proceedings are set to continue on Aug. 9.
With public trust in law enforcement officials being imperative, Attorney General Raoul emphasized the importance of accountability. "The public should be able to rely on law enforcement officers to abide by the laws they swear to uphold, and so should their fellow officers,” Raoul remarked in a statement obtained by the Attorney General's office, before acknowledging the Illinois State Police for their investigative efforts.
According to ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly, maintaining the integrity of the public trust in law enforcement is crucial. “No one is above the law, especially those who swear an oath to uphold the law,” said Kelly, indicating that the ISP's Special Investigations Unit will not shy away from thoroughly investigating claims of public corruption to reinforce community trust.
As the case develops, the innocence of Dressler remains presumed until proven otherwise in a court of law. The investigation led by the Illinois State Police is supported by Assistant Attorneys General Haley C. Bookhout and Steven R. Sallerson, who will proceed with the prosecution on behalf of the Attorney General's office.
