07/27/2011
By Brandon Allendorfer
TUSCOLA COUNTY (WNEM) - A former Tuscola County Sheriff's Office deputy turned himself in Wednesday morning after a year-long investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
The incident was alleged to have occurred on July 5, 2010 during the transporting of a female prisoner from Genesee County.
Dale Larry Tompkins, 41, was arraigned Wednesday afternoon, Tuscola County Prosecutor Mark E. Reene said.
Tompkins is charged with three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of escape where an office voluntarily allowed escape and delayed arrest, one count of bribery, five weapons counts and one count of public officer willfully neglecting duty.
He entered a plea of not guilty during a video arraignment with a judge.
The investigation was conducted by the Michigan State Police. His bond has been set at $30,000 personal recognizance. A preliminary exam has been scheduled for Aug. 22.
If convicted on the criminal sexual conduct or escape charges, Tompkins could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.
Tompkins resigned Aug. 11 after more than 13 years of service and even earned an award for professional excellence a few years ago.
"It's especially disheartening to us when an officer, much less accused of misconduct but if one is charged with one, that's especially hard on the whole law enforcement family," said Sheriff Teschendorf of the Tuscola County Sheriff's Office.
