A former police officer from Metro East has admitted to stealing nearly $58,000 from the Alton Police Department Benevolent and Protective Association, according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The former officer, Jeremiah T. Dressler, 42, of Brighton, Illinois, entered a guilty plea on Tuesday to several charges: one count of Class 2 felony theft, one count of Class 2 felony theft by deception, and three counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud. Sentencing for Dressler will be determined at a later date.
Attorney General Raoul commented on the case: “Members of law enforcement should rightfully be held to a higher standard and expected to follow the laws they enforce,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with law enforcement agencies, including the Illinois State Police, to hold public servants accountable when they abuse their positions of trust.”
The charges against Dressler were filed in July 2024 following an investigation by the Illinois State Police Special Investigations Unit. Authorities found that Dressler had used his position as treasurer for both the Alton Police Department and its Benevolent and Protective Association to take funds for personal use.
Senior Assistant Attorneys General Haley C. Bookhout and Steven R. Sallerson are handling prosecution for Raoul’s office.