NEW CASTLE, Ind. -- Two New Castle police officers and the head of Henry County Community Corrections were arrested Wednesday on allegations of misconduct after a 6-month investigation.

Lt. James Heffernan, 39, Patrolman Matthew Patterson, 38, and Doug Sheets, 57, turned themselves in to police Wednesday afternoon.

All three men were preliminarily charged with ghost employment, corrupt business influence and official misconduct as part of an Indiana State Police investigation that began in May.

Investigators said Heffernan and Patterson worked part time for Henry County Community Corrections, with Heffernan serving as the assistant director of the facility.

Heffernan is a 15-year veteran of the police department, while Patterson has been with the department for 12 years.

Both have been suspended from the police department without pay.

"These officers will not be considered above the law," said New Castle Police Chief Jim Nicholson. "We're held to higher standards, and the city of New Castle and our department has zero tolerance for criminal activity."

Nicholson wouldn't say exactly what investigators believe the men did, but said they were off duty when the alleged crimes were committed.

"(I'm) very disappointed, very shocked and hopefully the matter can be resolved," Nicholson said.

Heffernan, Patterson and Sheets bonded out of jail Wednesday.