Anti-Corruption Initiative Brings Down Indiana Sheriff, Leaves Him Facing Decades in Prison

Soliciting prostitution is not a federal offense — but dressing a hooker up like a police officer and then lying to the FBI about it definitely is.

The sheriff of Clark County, Indiana, is facing criminal charges and potentially decades in prison after he allegedly did just that, WHAS-TV reported.

The 60-year-old sheriff, Danny Robben, is accused of giving a prostitute police apparel and a badge so that the individual could book a hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky, at the reduced rate for law enforcement.

Then, according to the federal indictment against him, he paid the prostitute $300 for a sex act.

Clark County Sheriff Danny Rodden. (Image source: screengrab via WHAS-TV)

Rodden ran afoul of the feds in May and June, WHAS reported, when he allegedly made false statements to an investigating FBI officer and then advised someone else to destroy evidence linked to the case.

Rodden was in his final year of his final term as sheriff, WHAS reported, and is married with two children.

He now faces up to 20 years in prison for counseling the destruction of evidence and up to 35 years for seven counts of making a false statement.

Rodden's arrest was part of a broad anti-corruption effort involving the Indiana State Police, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, WHAS reported.

“Our message has been consistent but bears repeating: if you violate the public trust, our Public Corruption Working Group will find you, will investigate you, and will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Hogsett.

Rodden appeared in court Tuesday and was allowed to return to his home after his court appearance.

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