Kentucky
Former Kentucky FOP spokesperson pleads guilty to wire fraud
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – A former spokesperson for the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud after stealing thousands of dollars from the union and fellow officers.
Ryan Straw entered his plea at the Eastern District federal courthouse in Kentucky.
Straw was under investigation for embezzlement as of last November, according to a letter from the FOP board.
According to that letter, Straw convinced other officers to give him money for an investment club. That money was never invested. Straw was also suspected of taking funds from the lodge itself.
The FOP gave Straw the chance to return the money, but he did not.
Straw previously conducted media interviews and spoke about police matters, including accountability issues at the state level.
He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Sentencing is pending.
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