FBI Bombshell: Indiana Mayor Arrested In Corruption Probe

A mayor in central Indiana was arrested at his home early Monday amid a years-long corruption probe, according to the FBI.

Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler, 76, a Democrat, remains in custody and is charged with theft of government funds, according to court filings. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Southern District of Indiana is expected to release more information about the charges on Monday afternoon.

“I can confirm an arrest warrant was executed at the home of Mayor Dennis Tyler this morning and he is currently in custody,” FBI spokeswoman Christine Bavender said in a statement.

Investigations into corruption in the mayor’s office began in 2016 with probes into former building commissioner Craig Nichols and the town’s sanitation department. Nichols in 2017 was charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and theft — a result of his alleged practice of awarding contracts to his own personal company. He has since pleaded guilty to two charges and been sentenced to two years in prison.

The probe has also led to indictments against several other Muncie government officials and private individuals. This includes Debra Nicole Grigsby, the District Administrator for the Muncie Sanitary District, and Tony Franklin, owner of Franklin Building and Design, LLC, who were indicted on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, making false statements, and falsification of documents in a federal investigation.

Tyler was first elected to office in 2012 and did not seek re-election.

Muncie is located roughly 55 miles northeast of Indianapolis and has a population of about 70,000.