GPS, Surveillance, and Pay Records Uncover Alleged Fraud by Two EPD Officers

"No one dislikes a dishonest cop more than a good cop." 

That quote is from Evansville Police Chief Phil Smith. In a press conference this week, the public was made aware that two highly ranked officers have been investigated for a multitude of fraud, misconduct, and racketeering.

Husband and Wife Officers Investigated

During the investigation into Sergeant William Shirley and his wife, Lieutenant Stacy Shirley, it was discovered that they were getting paid for off-duty security and patrol work that they never did.

This is an ongoing investigation, but currently they are both on unpaid leave from the department. Both were also booked into the Vanderburgh County jail and have since bonded out. Their charges include Corrupt Business Influence (Racketeering), Official Misconduct, and multiple counts of Fraud.

"There are hundreds of good officers, wearing this very uniform that are left picking up the pieces from this. ~ EPD Chief Phil Smith

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If You See Something, Say Something

It's so important to report anything that seems like it may not be right. This investigation began in May after another officer alerted Chief Smith.

Sgt. Anthony Aussieker, Public Information Officer, Evansville Police Department:

It was determined that both Bill and Stacy were employed by the EHA to perform off-duty security. Bill was responsible for scheduling officers for off-duty with the EHA. The investigation found that Bill regularly reported hours he did not work. This included hours he reported while he was on duty for EPD. Stacy also reported the hours she had not worked. These discrepancies were corroborated through GPS and cell phone data. A separate investigation was also conducted into the Shirleys’ off-duty employment with Dillard’s retail store. Evidence showed that Bill frequently clocked Stacy in for shifts while she was already on duty at EPD. These actions were verified through pay records and in-store surveillance footage. As a result of this investigation, it was also learned that Stacy regularly failed to work her full scheduled shifts for EPD. Stacy did not use paid time off to account for her absences.