Former sheriff’s attorney says Gayer is target of a witch hunt

Former Pulaski County Sheriff Mike Gayer’s attorney says Pulaski County shouldn’t presume Gayer is guilty. He believes that Gayer is another statistic of a trend that is happening in Indiana — a witch hunt on former sheriffs. 
Gayer’s attorney Bryan Cook said there is a “sickening trend” happening right now with former sheriffs across the state in rural counties. He said it’s happening in several counties where sheriffs are being accused of misspending. 
“It’s really disheartening to someone like Mike Gayer, who has been a career law enforcement officer. He has served the community of Pulaski County and the State of Indiana for almost three decades,” Cook said. “For him to serve the community and be there and all of a sudden his name gets smeared by ISP and the State Board of Accounts, everyone presumes that where there is smoke there must be fire and presume him guilty. They need to presume his innocence.” 
Gayer is accused of spending the sheriff’s office funds in ways that are not compliant with the law, according to the special report completed by the State Board of Accounts. He is also accused of spending funding for guns and ammunition that are allegedly missing. 
The State Board of Accounts has asked Gayer to reimburse the county $20,632.19 for the missing firearms and ammunition as well as $6,005.15 for the costs of the audit. The report also questions other purchases and transactions that Gayer allegedly made, such as spending $15,919.91 from the commissary funds for holiday and retirement celebrations and $1,353.16 to settle a small claims case. He also allegedly spent $1,996.25 for gun accessories from the County Adjustment Gross Income Tax (CAGIT) fund. According to the state, the fund is to be used for assisting in operations and maintenance of the jail and justice center. 
Cook said Gayer couldn’t be in control of all of the sheriff’s office employees at the same time because he isn’t God. 
Cook said other attorneys are handling the civil matter regarding the State Board of Accounts report, but he called it vague. “There are some fundamental legal problems with that report and some fundamental factual problems with that report.” 
Cook said if criminal charges are filed then “we will fight it. This is a shame that this is the thanks that Mike Gayer gets for serving his community.”