Mark A. Pingsterhaus, 52, the former police chief of the Carlyle Police Department, is facing four federal charges after being accused of embezzling more than $100,000 for personal use. A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment, charging Pingsterhaus with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of theft of government funds.
According to the indictment, Pingsterhaus allegedly misappropriated funds from January 2017 to November 2025 while serving as both the police chief for the City of Carlyle and the chief financial officer for the Carlyle Fire Protection District. The indictment details unauthorized use of City of Carlyle and Carlyle Fire Protection District funds for personal expenses such as travel, entertainment, and purchases of goods and services. Specific allegations include using the City of Carlyle’s bank card to buy WNBA tickets and the Fire Protection District’s card to purchase jewelry from Zales. He is also accused of diverting money from the Carlyle Police Department’s Drug and Education Fund for personal expenses.
“We strongly support law enforcement because the overwhelming majority of officers serve with dedication, honor, and courage. But when any officer, especially a chief, betrays the community they are sworn to protect we will take decisive action,” stated U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “I appreciate our partnership with the Carlyle Police Department and city officials, who have fully cooperated in good faith during the investigation.”
Special Agent in Charge Ruben Marchand-Morales of the FBI Springfield Field Office echoed the importance of accountability: “When resources meant for community elevation are diverted for personal gain, it undermines the safety we work so hard to build and harms the community we swore to protect.”
An indictment is merely an allegation, and Pingsterhaus is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and up to 10 years for each count of theft of government funds.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is leading the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed prosecuting the case.