Bankruptcy Fraud Charges Against Ex-Deputy Police Chief of Dalton
A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted Lewis Lacey, the former acting deputy police chief of south suburban Dalton, on bankruptcy fraud charges. The charges allege that Lacey concealed assets and income from creditors, preventing payments on settlement money.
Allegations and Indictment Details
The indictment, returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago, includes charges of bankruptcy fraud, making false statements in a bankruptcy case, and perjury. Lacey is accused of filing multiple personal bankruptcy cases with false and fraudulent statements to avoid paying settlements from previous lawsuits.
In one instance, Lacey allegedly filed for bankruptcy shortly after plaintiffs moved to enforce a settlement agreement, claiming he still owed $43,000 of a $55,000 settlement. He is also accused of providing false information about his financial status to reduce reported income and avoid fulfilling his financial obligations.
Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
If convicted, Lacey could face up to five years in prison on each count. These charges come as part of an investigation into potential financial misconduct in Dalton’s municipal leadership. Lacey’s close ties to the embattled Dalton Mayor have raised further concerns about transparency and ethical conduct within the administration.
Furthermore, Lacey’s case is not an isolated incident, as another senior official from Dalton faced similar bankruptcy charges recently. This pattern of legal troubles among high-ranking officials highlights the need for accountability and oversight in local government practices.
Overall, the indictment against Lewis Lacey underscores the importance of upholding financial integrity and honesty, especially in positions of authority and public trust. As the legal process unfolds, the community of Dalton and its residents will be watching closely to see how justice is served in this complex and concerning case.
