RISING SUN — The former police chief of the Rising Sun Police Department was arrested on 17 felony charges as a result of a four-month investigation by Indiana State Police detectives in the Sellersburg and Versailles districts.
In July, Indiana State Police Detectives David Mitchell and Grant Martin began an investigation after a concerned citizen reported that he was possibly defrauded by Harlis Steven Hoover, Jr, 37, Lawrenceburg.
In December 2021, Hoover allegedly borrowed $10,000 from the individual for the purchase of an automobile. There was no evidence that Hoover ever purchased the automobile, investigators said. He then allegedly convinced the man to forgive the loan while in his role as the Rising Sun police chief.
Through the investigation, it was determined that Hoover also borrowed money for the purchase of other vehicles, although there was no evidence that the automobiles were ever purchased, and the money was not repaid. In two cases, Hoover allegedly purchased and sold vehicles for profit without ever signing the titles, state police said. In other instances of fraud, theft, and official misconduct were uncovered during the investigation, state police said.
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.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the case was presented to the Dearborn/Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
As a result, a warrant was issued Monday for Hoover on 17 felony charges of bribery, official misconduct, fraud, theft, and ghost employment. Hoover was arrested Monday evening without incident and transported to the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center where he was incarcerated pending his initial appearance in court.
Hoover was placed on administrative leave at the Rising Sun Police Department in July 2023 when the investigation commenced.
