Former metro-east police chief under FBI probe drops out of sheriff’s race
.jpeg "Mark Pingsterhaus")
The former Carlyle police chief who resigned following the announcement of an FBI investigation has withdrawn as a candidate for Clinton County sheriff, and the city has appointed a new chief.
Mark Pingsterhaus, who resigned from the Carlyle Police Department last month after being suspended, had filed to run as a Republican in the March 17 sheriff’s primary but withdrew his name from the ballot on Monday, according to Clinton County Clerk Vicky Albers. The deadline to withdraw from the ballot is Wednesday.
Pingsterhaus was placed on paid suspension in November after city officials announced he was under investigation by the FBI.
A spokesperson for the FBI could not be reached for comment Tuesday, and no charges have been announced. Carlyle City Administrator Brad Myers said Tuesday the city has not received any updates on the FBI investigation.
Mayor Judy Smith said in a November statement, “The investigation being conducted by the FBI centers around one individual. That individual has been placed on paid leave for now. Once the FBI has concluded its investigation, the city will act accordingly.”
In an interview at the time, Smith said she could not disclose the reason for the FBI investigation. Pingsterhaus could not be reached for comment Tuesday or in November when he was suspended.
Pingsterhaus, who served as Carlyle police chief since 2012, announced last year he was running for the Republican nomination for Clinton County sheriff. The Facebook page for his sheriff’s campaign was taken offline after the city announced his suspension in November.
Dennis Perez, acting deputy chief of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, also filed to run in the GOP primary. The seat is open because Sheriff Dan Travous chose not to seek reelection.
New police chief
After the city announced Pingsterhaus was under investigation by the FBI, officials named police officer Jason Herzing as temporary chief. On Monday night, Herzing was appointed chief.
Herzing’s salary as police chief is $100,000, Myers said.
