Executive Summary
- Carlyle Police Chief Mark Pingsterhaus was placed on paid suspension effective November 20.
- The suspension follows a notification from the FBI regarding an investigation into the police department.
- City officials are cooperating with federal authorities but have provided no specific details on the probe.
- Pingsterhaus is currently a Republican candidate for Sheriff in the upcoming March election.
- No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.
CARLYLE, Ill. — Mark Pingsterhaus, the Police Chief of Carlyle, has been placed on paid administrative leave following notification from the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding an active probe into the municipal police department. City officials confirmed that the suspension became effective on November 20 and will remain in place until further notice.
According to a news release issued by the City of Carlyle, the decision to suspend Chief Pingsterhaus arose directly from the FBI’s disclosure of its investigation. The city administration stated that they are fully cooperating with federal agents but declined to provide specific details regarding the nature or scope of the inquiry at this stage. Authorities emphasized that no criminal charges have been filed against Pingsterhaus at this time.
The investigation unfolds amidst a local election cycle in which Pingsterhaus is a prominent figure. He is currently listed as one of two candidates on the Republican ballot for the upcoming March 17 primary to replace outgoing Sheriff Dan Travous, who is not seeking re-election. Dennis Perez has also filed as a candidate for the position.
Procedural Implications
The involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation typically signals an inquiry into matters of federal jurisdiction, although the specific focus of this case remains undisclosed. Placing a department head on paid suspension is a standard administrative protocol intended to preserve the integrity of an ongoing investigation while protecting the rights of the employee involved. It is important to note that all individuals, including Chief Pingsterhaus, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.