The former Carlyle police chief has been indicted on federal charges accusing him of diverting more than six figures in public funds for personal use, including sports tickets and jewelry, according to court filings and law enforcement statements.
The former police chief of the Carlyle Police Department is now facing federal charges tied to alleged embezzlement of public money. Authorities say the total taken for personal benefit exceeds $100,000. The case was brought by a federal grand jury and lays out details spanning several years.
A four-count indictment returned against Mark A. Pingsterhaus, 52, of Carlyle, lists two counts of wire fraud and two counts of theft of government funds. Prosecutors say the alleged conduct occurred while he served as the city’s police chief and as chief financial officer for the Carlyle Fire Protection District. The charges were filed after an investigation led by federal agents.
The indictment alleges the misconduct ran from at least January 2017 through November 2025. During that period, Pingsterhaus is accused of using municipal and district resources for unauthorized personal expenses. Investigators say the pattern included travel, entertainment, and purchases framed as official business but used for private benefit.
Documents cited by prosecutors offer specific examples of the alleged misuse. The indictment states he used the City of Carlyle’s bank card to purchase WNBA tickets and used the Carlyle Fire Protection District’s bank card to purchase jewelry from Zales. Those purchases are listed alongside other alleged charges for goods and services that were not authorized.
“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.”
Authorities also say funds from the Carlyle Police Department’s Drug and Education Fund were used for personal expenses. That allegation, if proven, indicates misuse of a fund intended for community programs. An indictment is an accusation and does not establish guilt; the legal process will determine the outcome.
“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.”
Federal wire fraud convictions carry steep penalties, with potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison, while theft of government funds can result in up to 10 years behind bars. The seriousness of those maximums reflects how the Justice Department treats alleged financial crimes involving public money. The FBI’s Springfield Field Office is leading the investigation and the case will be prosecuted in federal court.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed is listed as the prosecutor handling the matter. Local officials reportedly cooperated with federal investigators during the inquiry. The indictment moves the allegations into the federal judicial system, where pretrial motions, arraignment, and potential trial dates will follow established procedures.
