KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Justice, even delayed, finally caught up with John Sutherland. The former Linn County Attorney pleaded guilty today to federal charges stemming from a brazen, years-long scheme to pilfer county property. U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister revealed that Sutherland systematically stole between 350 and 500 items – everything from electronics to essential equipment – valued at an estimated $75,000.
Sutherland, 68, of Mound City, spent roughly two decades as Linn County’s chief law enforcement officer before quietly exiting the role in January 2017. He now faces the consequences of his alleged actions, charged with one count of mail fraud and one count of lying to federal investigators. The thefts reportedly began sometime before January 2009 and continued unabated until he left office – a stunning betrayal of public trust.
The FBI cracked the case when agents searched Sutherland’s office at the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office on February 6, 2019. He was employed there as an Assistant District Attorney at the time, a darkly ironic position considering the evidence they uncovered. Agents seized 13 stolen items directly from his office, including a stolen Apple laptop computer. But the laptop was just the tip of the iceberg.
During questioning, Sutherland dug himself deeper, vehemently denying any wrongdoing and fabricating a web of lies. He claimed a $220 Apple TV 64 GB video-streaming device, purchased by the county, had been destroyed. Agents quickly debunked that claim, finding the device perfectly intact at Sutherland’s residence. The investigation further revealed he’d even gifted some of the stolen goods to his adult children – a blatant attempt to conceal his crimes.
As part of a plea agreement, Sutherland has agreed to full restitution for the $75,000 in stolen property and will surrender his license to practice law, effectively ending his legal career. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18. He’s staring down the barrel of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for the mail fraud count, and another five years and $250,000 fine for the false statement charge. This isn’t just a legal matter; it’s a gut punch to the citizens of Linn County.
U.S. Attorney McAllister commended the collaborative effort of the FBI, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tris Hunt and Chris Oakley for their diligent work bringing Sutherland to justice. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing. It’s a stark reminder that no one, not even those sworn to uphold the law, is above it.
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime|Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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