A former police chief in Carlyle, Illinois, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from city and fire district funds. Mark A. Pingsterhaus, 52, faces two counts of wire fraud and two counts of theft of government funds.
According to the indictment, Pingsterhaus is accused of misusing public money between January 2017 and November 2025 while serving as both the police chief for the City of Carlyle and as chief financial officer for the Carlyle Fire Protection District. The indictment alleges that he used city and fire district funds for personal expenses such as travel, entertainment, goods, and services. Specific examples cited include purchasing WNBA tickets with a City of Carlyle bank card and buying jewelry from Zales using a fire protection district card.
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 broader concerns about misuse of public resources: “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 emphasize that an indictment is an allegation; Pingsterhaus is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
If convicted on all charges, Pingsterhaus could face up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and up to 10 years for each count related to theft of government funds.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is leading this investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed will prosecute.
