A former Wayne City police chief has admitted to selling forfeited items confiscated by the department for his personal benefit.
46-year-old Anson Fenton of Belle Rive pleaded guilty to one count of misapplication of property from federally funded programs and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft says his office strongly supports our police, but they must take decisive action when things like this happen. He says by taking unauthorized possession of forfeited property for his personal benefit, the defendant used his position of trust as police chief to deceive the community he was sworn to protect.
According to court documents, Fenton sold two motorcycles, a 2017 Harley-Davidson and a 2000 Harley-Davidson, valued at more than $5,000 and kept the proceeds without authorization from the Wayne City Board of Trustees.
He also traded one 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle for a 1991 Ford Mustang for his personal benefit. He admitted to driving the Suzuki over state lines to complete the sale from Wayne City to Alexandria, Virginia.
For the charges, Fenton could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 per count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 30 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
Illinois State Police is leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.
