A former police chief in Carlyle, Illinois, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from city and fire department funds. Mark A. Pingsterhaus, 52, faces two counts of wire fraud and two counts of theft of government funds following a grand jury indictment.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft commented on the case: “We strongly support law enforcement because the overwhelming majority of officers serve with dedication, honor, and courage. But when any officer, especially a chief, betrays the community they are sworn to protect we will take decisive action,” said Weinhoeft. “I appreciate our partnership with the Carlyle Police Department and city officials, who have fully cooperated in good faith during the investigation.”
According to court documents, Pingsterhaus is accused of embezzling funds between January 2017 and November 2025 while serving as both police chief for the City of Carlyle and chief financial officer for the Carlyle Fire Protection District. The indictment alleges that he used public money for personal expenses such as travel, entertainment, goods, and services. Specific examples include using a city bank card to buy WNBA tickets and a fire district card to purchase jewelry from Zales.
FBI Springfield Field Office’s Special Agent in Charge Ruben Marchand-Morales stated: “Our partnership to combat violent crime and drug trafficking with the Carlyle Police Department and surrounding agencies has led to results that have undoubtedly made the region safer. That being said, our mission is to not only combat violent crime, but to protect against the exploitation of the very systems designed to help our communities,” said Marchand-Morales. “When resources meant for community elevation are diverted for personal gain, it undermines the safety we work so hard to build and harms the community we swore to protect.”
Pingsterhaus is also accused of using money from the Carlyle Police Department’s Drug and Education Fund for his own benefit.
The indictment serves as an allegation; Pingsterhaus is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
If convicted, each count of wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison while theft of government funds can result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is leading the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed will prosecute.
