Former Porter County officer plead guilty, sentenced for wire fraud
HAMMOND, Ind.-- After pleading guilty to a federal count of wire fraud, a former Porter County officer was sentenced before a U.S. District Court Judge.
43-year-old Lawrence W. LaFlower of Valparaiso, Indiana was set before U.S District Court Judge Phillip P. Simon, where he was sentenced to two years of supervised release and 15 months in prison, according to the USAO's Northern District of Indiana.
With an additional money judgement forfeiture totalling $187,698.52.
"Mr. LaFlower's immediate guilty plea and sentence reflect the zero tolerance this District has for public officials who abuse their positions for personal financial gain. My Office, with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who corrupt their office for self-serving motives," said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Court documents from April 2013-2018, suggest LaFlower embezzled just over $180,000 from Fraternal Order of Police Ewalt Jahnz Lodge 165's bank and investment accounts while acting as treasurer.
The mission of the fraternal organization, Lodge 165 out of Porter County, Indiana, is to better serve the public by raising funds for programs and scholarships as well advance the working conditions of law enforcement officers.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abizer Zanzi and investigated by Indiana State Police and the FBI.