FORMER SHERIFF’S OFFICE EMPLOYEE CHARGED WITH THEFT

WHEATON – DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett today announced that a DuPage County Grand Jury has returned a five-count indictment against Paul Dunklau, 48 (d.o.b. 06/06/1959), of 2060 Maplewood Circle, Naperville, a former Deputy Sheriff of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.  Dunklau has been charged with two counts of Theft and three counts of Official Misconduct while employed with the Sheriff’s Office from January 24, 2001 to March 1, 2007.

            The charges against Dunklau stem from allegations that on several occasions, Dunklau stole cash that was being held by the Sheriff’s Office as evidence in pending cases.  The amount of money stolen as alleged in the indictment is in excess of $300

            The investigation began during a routine audit procedure.  The stolen cash was in different denominations that had been seized as evidence from suspects in various cases.  It is alleged Dunklau violated state law and Sheriff’s policies by removing the cash instead of securing it in evidence, as his duties require.  Dunklau cooperated State’s Attorney’s Office investigators during the course of the investigation.

            “It is indeed a sad day whenever charges are brought against any public employee,” remarked Birkett.  “As a Sheriff’s Deputy, Mr. Dunklau took an oath to uphold the law.  If these allegations are proven true however, Mr. Dunklau violated his oath and in doing so, disgraced himself and his uniform.”  Birkett went on to thank the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.  “I would like to commend Sheriff John Zaruba and his staff for their cooperation and professionalism during the investigation into these allegations.”

            Members of the public are reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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