Little Rock -U.S. Attorney Jane W. Duke announced that former Sheridan Police Chief, David Hooks, age 55, was indicted by a federal grand jury today on one count of embezzlement and one count of mail fraud.

According to the indictment, Hooks, who was Chief of Police from 2002 through February 2008, utilized city funds to obtain consumer goods and services for his personal use and re-sale. In order to do so, Hooks would routinely use a city-issued credit card or vendor accounts at Wal-Mart and other vendors. Items Hooks purchased included clothing, personal grooming items, supplies for his dogs, auto parts, and firearms. In addition, he utilized city funds to pay for veterinary and auto services unrelated to city business. Over a 5 year period, Hooks misappropriated approximately $60,000 in city funds. Hooks is charged with embezzlement from an organization receiving federal funds under 18

U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(A) and with mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341. He faces a statutory penalty of not more than 10 years imprisonment for the embezzlement and not more than 20 years imprisonment for the mail fraud. Each carries a potential fine of not more than $250,000 and up to three years supervised release.

In early March, 2008, a federal search warrant was executed on the Sheridan Police Department, the Sheridan City Hall, and Hooks' residence. At Hooks’ residence, agents located receipts, as well as consumer items confirmed to be purchased with city funds.

“The Department of Justice is committed to ferrating out public corruption and abuse of official power. Taxpayers are entitled to expect and demand honest service from their elected and appointed officials. Hopefully, through this indictment and others like it, we are sending a clear message that violations of the public trust will not be tolerated,” stated Duke.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Little Rock Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Anne Gardner is prosecuting this case for the United States.

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An indictment is a form of accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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U.S. Attorney’s Office 11/05/2008