Former Michigan police chief sentenced to prison for drug theft

A former Michigan police chief who admitted to stealing drugs from her department was sentenced to more than three years in prison on Monday.

District Judge Kathleen Brickley said Tressa Beltran had damaged the image of law enforcement.

“The repercussions of your actions will last for a long time,” said the judge.

Beltran resigned as police chief in Hartford, southwest Michigan, in 2023, six months after investigators raided the department’s offices. She admitted to stealing prescription drugs, specifically hydrocodone, from a disposal box.

Beltran pleaded guilty in April for drug possession and use of a computer to commit a crime. She was ordered to permanently surrender her license from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, which prohibits her from working as a police officer in Michigan.

“I’m trying to get better and I really believe that putting me in jail is not the solution. But I’m just sorry,” Beltran said in court.

After about 3 1/2 years in prison, she can be released on parole.

“Today’s verdict was a clear message that no one is above the law,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. “I commend the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office for its diligent investigative efforts that resulted in Ms. Beltran’s removal from her position as police chief so that she could no longer endanger public health. My office will continue to pursue public integrity and hold those who abuse their position of power accountable.”