DeKalb Police weigh in on former officers' arrests

DEKALB COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) - A nine month investigation ended with two police officers behind bars .

"It’s sad day for us," said Auburn Police Chief, Martin McCoy. "I mean it’s unfortunate that one officer will reflect poorly among the rest of us."

Back in February, Garrett Police Chief, Keith Hefner, heard rumors of possible corruption in his department and began investigating.

"We’re a small agency, at the time we had 12 officers," Hefner said. "It was impossible for me to do it in house, so I called on State Police."

For nine months, they worked on the case which led to Michael Reneau’s arrest Monday and Sean Kahkola turning himself in shortly after. Both men are facing Class D felony charges.

 Reneau and Kahkola screened military surplus items to be used by the Garrett and Auburn police departments but are accused of selling the free items for their personal use instead.

"Even those it’s small bits of money, they still were alleged to have violated the trust and position that was bestowed upon to find these items that are given away by the military," said Indiana State Police Public Information Officer, Ron Galaviz.

Incidents date back to 2005 and happened as recent as last February. Some of the items taken between the two and sold were old cars, generators, and campers, totaling just over $4500.

"It bothers me when something like this happens because I tell these young officers that this isn’t a job," Hefner said. "This is a calling this is a profession."

Both officers resigned before the end of the investigation.

"You need to have the people’s trust, and when you do away with that trust you’ve dishonored not only the badge, but the other people in the department that wear it," Hefner said.

Hefner also said the officers did a lot of good during their time on the force, but this was a boundary that shouldn’t have been touched.

"When you cross the line from law to lawless, it’s something you can’t go back across," Hefner said.

Both former officers were released on bond. Their trial date has not been set, but they could each face anywhere from six months to three years in prison.