A former police chief in Carlyle, Illinois, has been indicted on federal charges related to the alleged embezzlement of more than $100,000. Mark A. Pingsterhaus, 52, faces two counts each of wire fraud and theft of government funds after a grand jury returned a four-count indictment.
According to the indictment, Pingsterhaus allegedly misused funds from January 2017 through November 2025 while serving as both the police chief for the City of Carlyle and the chief financial officer for the Carlyle Fire Protection District. The charges state that he used city and fire district funds for personal expenses including travel, entertainment, goods, and services. Specific allegations include using a city bank card to buy WNBA tickets and a fire protection district card to purchase jewelry from Zales.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft commented on the case: “We strongly support law enforcement because the overwhelming majority of officers serve with dedication, honor, and courage. But when any officer, especially a chief, betrays the community they are sworn to protect we will take decisive action,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “I appreciate our partnership with the Carlyle Police Department and city officials, who have fully cooperated in good faith during the investigation.”
Pingsterhaus is also accused of using money from the Carlyle Police Department’s Drug and Education Fund for his own benefit.
FBI Springfield Field Office’s Special Agent in Charge Ruben Marchand-Morales addressed the broader impact: “Our partnership to combat violent crime and drug trafficking with the Carlyle Police Department and surrounding agencies has led to results that have undoubtedly made the region safer. That being said, our mission is to not only combat violent crime, but to protect against the exploitation of the very systems designed to help our communities,” said FBI Springfield Field Office’s Special Agent in Charge Ruben Marchand-Morales. “When resources meant for community elevation are diverted for personal gain, it undermines the safety we work so hard to build and harms the community we swore to protect.”
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted on wire fraud charges, Pingsterhaus could face up to 20 years in prison per count; theft of government funds carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years per count.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is leading this investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed will prosecute.
