Cops in Alabama, Illinois charged with identity theft

Elgin Deputy Chief Bob Beeter and Sgt. Tamara Welter at an accreditation conference in July 2009 in Virginia

Two identity theft stories about cops as the bad guys crossed my desk today.

A former Elgin County, Illinois deputy police chief pleaded guilty Thursday to hacking into his then-mistress's ex-husband's business email in an attempt to help her in her divorce.

Robert Beeter, 53, of Elgin, faced 20 counts of identity theft and misconduct, but those were dropped in exchange for the guilty plea and sentence of two years probation, along with 50 hours of community service, $1,140 in court fees and fines.

And former Dothan, Alabama police officer Charles Simmer has been charged with two more counts of identity theft, adding to 17 previous charges of identity theft and fraudulent use of credit cards. 

Police have identified 27 victims, all of whom were enlisted in the military with Simmer, before he joined the police force. Authorities say he used their information to open credit card accounts, spending about $30,000.

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