Regular as clockwork, the news releases roll in from U.S. Attorney Jane Duke, announcing another miscreant before the bar of justice. Today’s featured players:
* Former Sheridan Police Chief David Hooks, 55, was indicted for embezzlement and mail fraud. Hooks, police chief for six years through last February, used city money to buy stuff for himself and resale to others. Clothes, dog supplies, guns, auto parts. He was a frugal shopper. Wal-Mart was his main source of goods. He also used city money for vet bills and auto repair. In a March raid, the feds found receipts and ill-gotten goods at — where else? — the police department.
* More fraud. Three people — Deborah Ball, 54; Elmer Andy Masoner, 57, and Julie Belisle, 35 — were named in a six-count indictment for defrauding an elderly person, Elizabeth Becker. Heckuva sad story.