Police: Dearborn Co. Man Used Stolen Funds for Personal Gain

Brett "Mooch" Hamilton will make his initial appearance in court today.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - Formal charges have been filed against Brett "Mooch" Hamilton. 

Hamilton, 46, has been charged with Theft, Fraud, Money Laundering, Corrupt Business Influence and Official Misconduct, all felonies, for alleged thefts that occurred while he was the president of the Dillsboro Civic Club. 

In July, a Friendship State Bank fraud representative was contacted by the vice president of the Dillsboro Civic Club to report some fraudulent activity on the club's checking account and credit card, allegedly made by Brett "Mooch" Hamilton.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Indiana State Police discovered that Hamilton allegedly used two debit cards drawn off the Dillsboro Civic Club or Dillsboro Homecoming Festival's checking accounts to steal monies for personal gain. The following totals of transaction allegedly committed by Hamilton as broken down by year: 

• 2018: $341.74
• 2019: $3,964.29
• 2020: $14,304.83
• 2021: $20,646.96
• 2022: $9,206.58
• 2023: $19,560.26
• 2024: $23,878.73
• 2025: $23,871.49
• Total= $115,774.88

Hamilton allegedly made 65 Amazon transactions between May 10, 2021, and June 30, 2025, totaling $7,391.10. Other withdraws were allegedly made at three casinos in Las Vegas totaling $48,725.64. Investigators say Hamilton made 27 entertainment transactions totaling $6,255.94. Other alleged transactions included 153 food and drink transactions ($12,451.91), 40 gas and auto transactions ($3,020.89), 76 general retail transactions ($12,440.72), 48 travel transactions ($12,608.95), 67 personal transactions ($10,147.01). Investigators say Hamilton also used these monies for his City Council campaign in Greendale. 

Investigators say none of the Dillsboro Civic Club Board Members were aware of the alleged thefts until Hamilton wrote a check that was flagged by the bank. According to witness statements, Hamilton said the check was for insurance when it was really going to a debt collector. 

Hamilton's wife was interviewed in September. She provided investigators with a copy of her bank records to show that she and Hamilton had completely separate bank accounts. She did admit benefiting indirectly from some of the alleged illegal purchases, such as Amazon purchases, food, home improvements, travel and entertainment. 

Hamilton appeared in court on Tuesdsy morning. Bond was set at $50,000 surety in addition to $50,000 cash bond.

A jury trial is set for January 20. 

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