JOHNSON/HARDIN COs., Ill.—Hardin County’s chief deputy was placed on unpaid leave this morning after felony charges were filed against him in Johnson County June 5.
Robert (Bobby) Deppen, 47, of Harrisburg, was charged last week in Johnson County with two felony counts: Insurance Fraud greater than $10,000 but less than $100,000, a Class 2 felony; and Disorderly Conduct in Filing a False Police Report, a Class 4 felony.
According to Johnson County officials, the situation emerged in June of 2011 when Deppen reported that his motor home was broken into and items stolen while it was located in Johnson County. Authorities have stated that the amount Deppen claimed against COUNTRY Financial as a loss was $72,000; the allegation in the counts are that this was false. A subsequent investigation by the Illinois Secretary of State Police resulted in the charge of Insurance Fraud (dating to November 11, 2011) and then the Filing a False Report was actually dated back to June 2, 2011, which is apparently when Deppen said the “burglary/theft” occurred on his motor vehicle.
We’ve not heard back from the Secretary of State Police yet, although a message has been left for the investigator into this situation, George Rakers.
When reached for comment this morning, Hardin County Sheriff JT Fricker would only state that Deppen is on unpaid suspension pending the outcome of the Johnson County case. Deppen was working for the Lloyd “Smoky” Cullison administration when the alleged incidents occurred.
Disclosure was unable to obtain contact information for Deppen. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Department confirmed, however, that Deppen turned himself in on a warrant yesterday (Wednesday, June 11) and posted bond and was released.
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