Former Bolivar Police Officer Sentenced

Gwen Rummell Reporting –

A former Bolivar police officer was sentenced for his involvement in an ammunition scam.

An investigation determined Jeffrey Stearns used Bolivar’s tax-exempt status to purchase ammunition and have the rounds picked up by G&R Tactical owner Grant Timberlake. Timberlake then sold the ammunition. Stearns pled guilty to telecommunications fraud, a 5^th degree felony.

A statement by Stearns’ attorney, Matthew Mullen, outlined how he met Timberlake and trusted him to be truthful about his intentions.

“He told Jeff, this has been Jeff’s story from the get-go, that he was going to take the ammunition and donate it to law enforcement entities across the county who were having a difficult time finding ammunition [during COVID] for their training purposes, for their qualification purposes, and that type of thing.”

Mullen also stated the city was aware of the high amount of ammunition purchased as it had to be approved by council. Judge Michael Ernest said he wondered why the city had not immediately questioned the requests.

Former Sugarcreek Mayor Jeff Stutzman and current Port Washington Mayor Thomas Gardner both spoke, saying Stearns has always been involved in the community.

Stearns chose to speak.

“Because of this ordeal, I have lost nearly everything. I’ve lost my career, lost my retirement, I’ve lost my freedoms, I’ve lost many people that I thought were my friends, I’ve lost my dignity, [and] I’ve lost my identity of who I am as a man.”

Judge Ernest agreed that Stearns did not profit from the situation, but he did violate a quality important for public officials.

“But at the end of the day, there isn’t anything that is gained by Mr. Stearns by doing anything that he did. Unfortunately for Jeffrey Stearns, for any public person, any public employee, what they can lose is public trust.”

The sentence included five years of community control, 150 hours of community service, pay back the Village of Bolivar and the State for audit costs, and surrender law enforcement accreditations. Additionally, Stearns will not be able to seek public employment for five years.