Former Porter County Officer Charged with Wire Fraud
Lawrence W. LaFlower, 42, of Valparaiso, Indiana, has been charged with one count of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to court documents, between April 2013 and April 2018, LaFlower used his position as the treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police Ewalt Jahnz Lodge #165 to embezzle over $180,000 from its investment and bank accounts. The FOP is a fraternal organization in Porter County, Indiana, whose mission is to improve working conditions for law enforcement officers and serve the public by raising money for scholarships and other programs.
LaFlower has entered into a plea agreement with the government and is expected to formally enter his plea of guilty in court later this week.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Information is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
The FBI and Indiana State Police investigated this case, and Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi is prosecuting.
LaFlower will face sentencing after his plea, with the exact sentence to be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. If convicted, LaFlower will face time in prison.
LaFlower’s actions as the treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police Ewalt Jahnz Lodge #165 have caused significant harm to the organization and its members. The Fraternal Order of Police is a fraternal organization dedicated to serving law enforcement officers and the public.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in public office. Public officials who abuse their positions for personal financial gain will not be tolerated, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue those who corrupt their office for self-serving motives.
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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