OAK HILL -- Police Sgt. Mike Ihnken has been cleared of an accusation that he stole a dead man's wallet containing $55, the State Attorney's Office announced.
A review of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation determined there was "insufficient evidence to charge or convict Sgt. Ihnken with any crime," said Assistant State Attorney spokesman Chris Kelly.
Inhken has been on paid suspension since August when then-Police Chief Guy Grasso asked FDLE to look into the matter after another officer said Ihnken was acting suspicious about the incident. The wallet had been placed in the evidence locker after police responded to an unattended death in July at an East Aeriel Road home.
The State Attorney's Office reviewed statements from the accusing officer, Robert Walker, and in a letter dated Jan. 15, Managing Assistant State Attorneys Celeste Gagne and Ben Fox determined witness accounts did not provide "proof beyond a reasonable doubt."
Walker resigned earlier this year while serving as acting police chief for Grasso who was forced to resign last month due to injuries sustained in an on-duty car-crash when his cruiser was rear-ended by another motorist. Grasso's post has been given to Diane Young on Monday night by the Oak Hill City Commission.
Ihnken, an eight-year veteran, is expected to return to active duty next week, Administrator/Clerk Virgina Haas said.