Former Porter County Officer Sentenced For Wire Fraud

HAMMOND – Lawrence W. LaFlower, 43 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

US Attorney Kirsch said, "Mr. LaFlower’s immediate guilty plea and sentence reflect the zero tolerance this District has for public officials who abuse their positions for personal financial gain.  My Office, with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who corrupt their office for self-serving motives."

LaFlower was sentenced to 15 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. The Court also ordered a money judgment forfeiture in the amount of $187,698.52.

According to court documents, between April 2013 and April 2018, LaFlower used his position as the treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police Ewalt Jahnz Lodge #165’s to embezzle over $180,000 from its investment and bank accounts. The FOP is a fraternal organization in Porter County, Indiana, whose mission is to improve working conditions for law enforcement officers and serve the public by raising money for scholarships and other programs.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Indiana State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.

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