© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

2 Peoria County Deputies Fired After Theft Allegations

Former Peoria County Sheriff's deputies Joshua Carr, left, and Matthew Hawkins.
Peoria County Sheriff's Office
Former Peoria County Sheriff's deputies Joshua Carr, left, and Matthew Hawkins.

Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell fired two of his deputies Tuesday after they were accused of theft in separate incidents.

Deputy Joshua Carr allegedly took another person's gift bag Sept. 27 from the Tavern on Prospect in Peoria. The theft was later reported by the victim, Asbell said.

Carr is accused of driving intoxicated the night of the incident, using a police records database for personal reasons, never informing his supervisor of what happened, and trying to convince a Peoria police officer to give him information from the police report. He later filed a Freedom of Information Act request for the report while on duty.

Carr also allegedly called the victim at their workplace using a false name, secretly taped the victims in the incident, and used a breathalyzer for personal purposes.

Deputy Matthew Hawkins also was fired after allegedly stealing alcohol from a North Peoria Kroger while on duty on Aug. 18. Hawkins is accused of parking his official vehicle in the store's fire lane before taking the beverages from the grocery store while in uniform and on duty.

The Illinois State Police charged Hawkins with retail theft, burglary, and official misconduct. Hawkins didn't show up for an interrogation on Oct. 14.

There's no subscription fee to listen or read our stories. Everyone can access this essential public service thanks to community support. Donate now, and help fund your public media.

Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU.

Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.