Probation Officer Accused Of Taking Probationer's Pills

By Mike Perleberg (Dearborn County, Ind.) - A Dearborn County Probation Officer is accused of stealing prescription pills from a probationer. Sean Schaffer, 34, is charged with Official Misconduct (Level 6 felony), Theft (Class D felony) and Theft (Class A misdemeanor). According to a probable cause affidavit, Schaffer allegedly took Hydrocodone tablets from one of his probationers on multiple occasions over a five month period this year. Indiana State Police investigators say the probationer would make mandated monthly visits to the probation office in Lawrenceburg. Schaffer would allegedly swipe pills when counting the probationer’s prescription out of his view. Schaffer allegedly admitted to state police that he took the pills without consent during the probationer’s visits. Schaffer was arrested Friday, September 26. He was released from jail the same day after posting a $1,000 cash and $1,000 surety bond. “Sean is no longer employed with Dearborn County Probation. This is a pending felony case which we cannot discuss at this time,” said Dearborn County Superior Court Chief Probation Office Steve Kelly, the person who contacted Indiana State Police to begin the investigation. Franklin County Circuit Court Judge J. Steven Cox has been assigned as a special judge to the case.