(Rising Sun, IN) – The former Rising Sun Police Chief was arrested Monday on 17 felony counts following a four-month investigation by detectives with the Indiana State Police-Sellersburg and Versailles districts.
ISP detectives began the investigation in July 2023 after a concerned citizen reported that he may have been defrauded by 37-year-old Harlis Steven Hoover, Jr., of Lawrenceburg.
In December 2021, Hoover allegedly borrowed $10,000 from the man to purchase an automobile.
State police say there was no evidence Hoover purchased the vehicle, and – while in his role as Rising Sun Police Chief – he allegedly convinced the man to forgive the loan.
Investigators say it was determined that Hoover borrowed money to buy other vehicles, and there were no indications the automobiles were purchased and the money was not repaid.
Detectives say in two cases, Hoover allegedly purchased and sold vehicles for profit without ever signing the titles. Other instances of fraud, theft, and official misconduct were allegedly uncovered during the investigation.
ISP says multiple instances of ghost employment by Hoover were uncovered during the investigation where he was allegedly taking care of personal business, often outside of Ohio County, while claiming to be on duty in Rising Sun at the time.
Hoover was placed on administrative leave in July.
The case was handed over to the Dearborn-Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office for review before a warrant was issued for Hoover’s arrest.
Hoover was arrested Monday evening on 17 felony charges of Bribery, Official Misconduct, Fraud, Theft, and Ghost Employment.
He’s being held in the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center pending his initial court appearance.
