James S. Bedell, Theft and Embezzlement, Illinois 2023

Former Edwardsville Police Chief Sentenced for Theft and Embezzlement

Illinois – In a shocking turn of events, James S. Bedell, the 57-year-old former Chief of Police of Edwardsville, was sentenced to eighteen months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, an order of restitution in the amount of $136,800, and a special assessment fee of $400.00. The sentencing took place in federal court today.

Bedell pled guilty to four counts of Embezzlement and Theft from the City of Edwardsville on April 17, 2013. The charges against him stem from his actions as the Director of Police and Chief of Police of the City of Edwardsville from approximately 2007 through October 5, 2012.

As part of the plea, Bedell admitted that from July of 2009 through September of 2012, he unlawfully removed cash and money orders from a lockbox in the police department that contained vehicle impound fees. The City of Edwardsville charges a $300 fee for vehicles towed as a result of certain enumerated violations. The $300 administrative fee must be paid by cash or money order and the paid administrative fee is revenue to the City which must be properly accounted for and therefore the funds received are not for the personal use of an employee of the City of Edwardsville. Bedell admitted as part of the plea that he converted some of the funds to his personal use, generally to support a gambling habit.

“I am always saddened when a member of law enforcement is found to be engaged in illegal acts. I urge the public to remember that the vast majority of our men and women in blue are extremely honest, bright and capable, and that they put on their uniforms each day to serve the citizens, not knowing if they will come home at the end of their shift. It is for them and for all of us that I will not cease my efforts to expose and help punish police misconduct when it is found,” said United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Illinois State Police, with the assistance of the City of Edwardsville. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.

James S. Bedell was employed as the Director of Police and Chief of Police of the City of Edwardsville from approximately 2007 through October 5, 2012. Bedell is currently serving an eighteen-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. He must also pay a restitution of $136,800 and a special assessment fee of $400.00.

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