(WWJ) — The former police chief of a small West Michigan town will spend at least three years behind bars after pleading guilty to drug-related charges during her time in office.
Tressa Beltran on Monday was sentenced to 40 months to 20 years in prison for one count of using a computer to commit a crime in relation to what Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office described as “drug dealing activities” while serving as police chief of Hartford, located about 35 miles west of Kalamazoo.
Beltran was also given a concurrent sentence of up to 20 years for one count of delivery less than 50 grams of a controlled substance.
Beltran, who pleaded guilty to both counts back in April, was immediately taken into custody after her hearing to begin serving her sentence.
She was also ordered to permanently surrender her MCOLES law enforcement license, ensuring she can never be employed as a police officer in Michigan again.
Beltran admitted under oath that while she was working as Hartford’s police chief she “possessed controlled substances with the intent to deliver them” and that she used a computer to arrange to deliver controlled substances, Nessel’s office said. Officials didn’t specify what exact drugs Beltran was dealing.
“Today’s sentence delivered a clear message that no one is above the law,” Nessel said, per a press release.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive investigation into Beltran after receiving numerous tips about her actions.
“Our Narcotic Unit didn’t turn their head and handled it professionally to get today’s result. As I’ve said before, someone’s position in our community won’t alter how we do our job at our office. Everyone is treated the same way,” said Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott.
The investigation concluded with the sheriff’s office and AG’s Public Integrity Unit discovering evidence that Beltran had used her position to commit the crimes.
She had initially been charged with eight felonies, including extortion, embezzlement and misconduct in office.
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