FAYETTEVILLE -- A former Washington County deputy pleaded guilty to insurance fraud, aggravated assault and terroristic threatening Monday.

Steven Hulsey, 43, was sentenced to 5 years of probation and fined $500 in the case, which began with an internal investigation into fraud at the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Investigators said Hulsey listed Marketa Hulsey as his wife in an insurance application last year. The two divorced about 10 years ago.

Hulsey was with the department 19 years before he resigned April 22.

Greenland police said he fought with and choked his ex-wife the day after he resigned. After the fight, Hulsey threatened "suicide by cop" and barricaded himself in a bedroom with loaded weapons, according to an arrest report. Hulsey eventually left the bedroom, was taken to a hospital and arrested three days later.

Outside of the criminal case, the county is suing Hulsey in circuit court, asking for a court order forcing Hulsey to pay back about $12,000 in benefits for which he wasn't eligible. Hulsey filed an answer saying at all times he believed his ex-wife was eligible for coverage. A jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 21.

NW News on 08/18/2015