'A loss of trust.' US Attorney condemns Dennis Tyler's role in alleged bribery as harmful to democracy

Nate Chute | The Star Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Muncie mayor arrested: A timeline of FBI corruption probe in Muncie From early whispers of an investigation in 2016 to Mayor Dennis Tyler's arrest, here's a timeline of the FBI's corruption probe into Muncie city government.

During a press conference the same day as Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler's arrest, US Attorney for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana Joshua Minkler said Tyler's actions led to a "loss of (the) basic belief that your government exists to serve the public."

Tyler was arrested at his home Monday morning and faces a count of theft of government funds. He is accused of accepting $5,000 in exchange for a public contract through Muncie Sanitary District superintendent Tracy Barton. The charge carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $250,000.

Minkler said Tyler has entered a not guilty plea and has been released following his arrest. He is free to finish serving the remainder of his term as mayor.

The case against Tyler and the city of Muncie, conducted in partnership with the FBI, was referred to as "Operation Public Trust" by Minkler. He referenced a call to public service by President John F. Kennedy as a reason to commit such roles but said in recent years there has been a perversion of the late president's famous words.

"Elected and appointed officials in this district ask 'what can the community I serve do for me?'" Minkler said. "How can I benefit from my elected or appointed position?"

What the full indictment says: Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler indicted for theft of government funds

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Minkler said such actions result in a "loss of trust" by those who elect such officials.

"In a democracy, people believe that those who they elect serve them first, not themselves," Minkler said.

He didn't stop there. Minkler said Tyler's actions translated as a "loss of hope" by those who want to be treated fairly by their government.

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"They want to be treated fairly by their government officials whether they have the money to pay a bribe or not," Minkler said. "In a Republic, where the people are sovereign, that can not stand."

Minkler made clear that his teams' goal for their case is to prosecute Dennis to "fullest exten

“Our goal is to get this case into a trial to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to make sure he can never be a public official again," Minkler said.

Nate Chute is a producer for the USA Today Network. Follow him on Twitter at @nchute.