New prosecutor takes theft case against former police officer

Greensburg, Ind. – A special prosecutor will oversee the theft case of a former police officer accused of pocketing money from a scam artist who sold fake autographs of an action film star.

After being appointed by a Decatur County judge, Ripley County Prosecutor Rick Hertel reviewed the charges and decided last week to handle the case against David L. Scudder, 37.

Prosecutors said Scudder, a former Greensburg officer, seized money from a man who was acting as the “promoter” of a man who resembles wrestler-turned-film star “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

During a June 21 event at a Wal-Mart store in the city about 40 miles southeast of Indianapolis, Austin’s fans were charged for photos and autographs with the phony Austin before store officials grew suspicious and called police.

 Scudder took $154 from the promoter during his investigation of the autograph scam, and that seized money never made it into evidence, according to court documents. He resigned from the city’s police force on June 30 after the Indiana State Police began investigating his actions.

Scudder’s initial hearing in the case is set for Sept. 3.

Scudder could not be located for comment as no telephone number was listed for him in the Greensburg area. Hertel said he did not know whether Scudder had hired an attorney.