MUNCIE, Ind. – Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler — a Democrat nearing the end of his second term in office — was arrested Monday by the FBI as part of a sprawling public corruption probe that has snared several officials in his administration.
The indictment charges Tyler, 76, with one count of theft of government funds, Fox 59 Indianapolis reported.
Prosecutors alleged he accepted $5,000 from a sanitation department official in exchange for using his influence in the awarding of contracts, according to the station.
The charge would carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Tyler appeared in court Monday and was released on undisclosed conditions, the station reported.
Indianapolis U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler planned to provide more details about Tyler’s arrest at a news conference Monday afternoon.
Earlier, FBI Indiana spokeswoman Chris Bavender told Fox News that Tyler was arrested at his home at 7:30 a.m. local time.
“I can confirm an arrest warrant was executed at the home of Mayor Dennis Tyler this morning and he is currently in custody,” she said.
Tyler was elected mayor in 2011. He didn’t run for reelection this year.
Muncie Mayor Elect Dan Ridenour issued this statement:
Today, we have learned of another arrest by the FBI in their ongoing investigation of Muncie city government. While this has become a pattern in our community of late, I am pleased that two weeks ago voters overwhelmingly supported turning the page for a new day in Muncie.
My commitment to all Muncie residents is to fulfill the request of our fellow citizens made at the ballot box; to shine a light on the dark corners of city government, to demand excellence from those who serve our residents, and above all, to operate in an honorable way on your behalf.
For city of Muncie employees who are burdened by the string of news stories about the current administration please know that I share a commitment with you to operate the city of Muncie in a way that promotes the welfare for all. I look forward to working on transition issues with current city employees as we prepare to start a new chapter on January 1, 2020.
The FBI raided City Hall offices in 2017 as it investigated Craig Nicholas, a former building commissioner, and the awarding of no-bid contracts to demolition companies he owned, Fox 59 reported.
After he pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal crimes, he was sentenced to two years in prison, the station reported.
The FBI also targeted officials working in the Muncie sanitation department, according to the station.
