Indiana State Police investigators have asked Seymour city officials to place a second police officer on administrative leave as part of an ongoing investigation into ghost employment and official misconduct.

In a news release issued Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Craig Luedeman wrote he is recommending the board of works take that action Thursday against Seymour Police Chief Bill Abbott.

As mayor, Luedeman is president of the board and also is responsible for appointing the police chief. City councilman Jim Rebber and Larry Sunbury also are members of the board.

Abbott, who could not be reached for comment, has not been serving as chief after retiring Sept. 13. He is using his banked time off until it runs out in early 2020. He was appointed chief by Luedeman and assumed duty Jan. 1, 2008. He was hired as a patrolman Aug. 25, 1989.

Assistant Police Chief Craig Hayes has assumed administrative duties since Abbott’s last day.

Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, public information officer for the Indiana State Police Versailles Post, said the agency continues to investigate the case that led to Capt. Carl Lamb being placed on administrative leave Oct. 8 as part of a state police probe into ghost employment and official misconduct.

“The Indiana State police is continuing to investigate allegations of official misconduct made against specific officers with the Seymour Police Department,” he said. “It is important to note that at this time, these are just allegations.”

Wheeles said he would not release names of any potential suspects unless the investigation results in charges being filed. Wheeles said the agency will investigate the case thoroughly and present the case to the prosecutor.

“Due to it being an ongoing investigation, I cannot release specifics about the case, including any information about potential suspects,” he said.

After news of Lamb being placed on administrative leave, Wheeles said it would be difficult to determine how long the investigation would last but that it will likely include a lot of documentation.

Hayes plans to ask the board of works to formalize the department’s decision to place Lamb on administrative leave during Thursday’s meeting.

Some of the potential scenarios that could lead to allegations of ghost employment and official misconduct include collecting pay from another job or performing personal tasks while on duty.

The state police recently handled an investigation involving ghost employment with two Columbus police officers who were accused of working secondary jobs during hours they also were working as law enforcement officers.

 

This story was first published at 2:44 p.m. Oct. 22.