MARTINSVILLE — The Martinsville Police Chief was arrested Wednesday on charges of official misconduct and theft, both level 6 felonies.
According to the Morgan County jail, Matthew Long was booked and released around 3 pm Wednesday.
READ | State police investigate Martinsville city employee |
Last week, Mayor Shannon Kohl issued a statement "in regards to the charges filed against Martinsville Police Chief Matt Long."
“We do not have any more information at this time regarding the charges against Chief Long. We are still taking the situation in. It is a sad day in our community. Although we don’t have additional information, we intend to fully cooperate and assist with any information needed from the City.”
In late-January, RTV6 reported Indiana State Police had launched a criminal investigation on a City of Martinsville employee, without naming the person.
The investigation began at the request of the Morgan County Prosecutor.
Also in January, Mayor Kohl announced Police Chief Long had been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
Rodger Wiltermood was named interim chief.
Martinsville Clerk-Treasurer Becky Tumey told Call 6 Investigates she received information that indicated possible misuse of time and overtime compensation by a Martinsville city employee.
Tumey provided the following statement to RTV6:
In the fall of 2018, I was given information of possible misuse of time and overtime compensation by a city employee. I reported the information to the Indiana State Board of Accounts and an investigation was initiated. While the investigation by the SBOA is still ongoing, I have been informed that there is merit to the information. My office and I have cooperated fully with the investigation and plan to continue to do so. At this time, I am unable to provide further details as the investigation is still pending. Please be assured that my office and those who work in my office are dedicated to ensuring the proper application of state statutes and city policies in the allocation of funds. It is our goal to provide the best possible plan of action to correct the immediate problem and aid in the prevention of future misuse of funds.
It’s not yet clear when the findings of the audit will be released.
