A former Keithsburg police officer will pay the City of Keithsburg $10,000 in restitution after entering an Alford plea to a misdemeanor count. 53-year-old Thomas Bennett of Seaton was originally facing felony charges in a theft and official misconduct investigation but entered the Alford plea to the misdemeanor on Wednesday in Mercer County Circuit Court. The felony case was dismissed as part of the negotiated agreement.
Bennett was arrested in July of 2022 and at the time, was accused of receiving compensation from the city of Keithsburg for hours he did not actually work.
In addition to working as a Keithsburg Police Officer, Bennett was also employed as a Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy. He resigned from both positions shortly after his arrest.
In addition to the $10,000 in restitution, Bennett was given 24-months’ court supervision and cannot serve in the public as a law enforcement officer.
