Corrections1 Staff
NEW CASTLE, Ind. - Between March 2007 and July 2009, police officers Matthew Patterson, 38, and Lt. Jim Heffernan, 39, were being paid to work at the Henry County Corrections Center in Indiana, which would be fine, had they not been off golfing and gambling instead.
According to State Police Detective Brian Gulinson, while supposedly working for the center the two were actually were “playing golf, going to an exercise gym, gambling, moving furniture, attending sporting events or visiting friends,” reports the Associated Press.
The two officers were arrested on Wednesday and charged with official misconduct and ghost employment. They’ve been suspended without pay
Henry County Community Corrections Director Doug Sheets, 57, was also charged with knowingly approving the misleading time cards.
All three surrendered at the Henry County jail on Wednesday afternoon and were released after posting $1,000 bonds.
Messages seeking comment were left at Sheets’ office and at New Castle telephone listings for individuals with the same names as the officers.
Heffernan joined the force 15 years ago, and Patterson joined 12 years ago. Heffernan also served as assistant director of the correction center.