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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFormer Vincennes Police Department Chief Dustin Luking was arrested on multiple felony charges Wednesday for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from an evidence vault for personal use. Also today, Bethany J. Shelton Luking, Dustin’s wife, was arrested for allegedly stealing prescription medication from her employer, a senior center in Vincennes.
The investigation against the former police chief, now 48 years old, started in July 2019, when money was discovered missing from VPD, according to Indiana State Police. He resigned from VPD in October 2019.
During the investigation into Dustin, ISP Detective Sgt. Greg Ashby discovered that more than $35,000 had been taken from the evidence vault, which Luking allegedly used for personal use.
An Indiana State Board of Accounts audit revealed several additional discrepancies, ISP reported. The audit found the former chief had taken $14,000 for personal use between 2013 and 2016.
The Knox County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the investigation, and an arrest warrant was issued this morning for Dustin Luking, who currently lives in Lawrenceville, Illinois, with his wife. Luking has been charged with Level 5 felony theft, Level 6 felony official misconduct and Level 6 felony forgery.
Also in 2019, ISP opened an investigation into the theft of prescription medication at the Bettye J. McCormick Senior Center in Vincennes, where Bethany Luking, 49, was employed.
In a warrant issued today, Bethany Luking was charged with Level 6 felony obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit.
The Lukings were arrested this morning without incident, and both are currently being held in the Lawrence County (Illinois) Jail, where they await extradition.
Indiana Lawyer has sent a request to ISP for additional information.
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