A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the former Wayne City police chief with selling forfeited items confiscated by the department for his personal benefit.
46-year-old Anson Fenton of Belle Rive, is facing one count of misapplication of property from federally funded programs and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
US Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe says officials in positions of power must be held to the highest ethical standard, and those accused of defrauding the public will be held accountable.
According to court documents, Fenton is accused of selling two motorcycles valued at more than $5,000 and trading one motorcycle for a 1991 Ford Mustang for his personal benefit.
If convicted, Fenton could face up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 per count.
The Illinois State Police is leading the investigation with support from the FBI Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.
