Former Police Chief Admits to Stealing from City

DIBOLL � Former Diboll Police Chief Kent Havard pleaded guilty to stealing city funds Tuesday, accepting a plea deal for three years probation. Havard will also pay full restitution to the city, totaling about $5,000, in addition to paying a $500 fine and agreeing to permanently surrender his peace officer commission, according to Angelina County District Attorney Clyde Herrington. Havard resigned his 30-year post at the Diboll Police Department on March 2, after being informed he was under investigation by the Texas Rangers.

After the investigation was complete, it was determined there were several incidences of theft, including charges to the city credit card at Wal-Mart and Minute Maid Park, and five stolen cashed checks, Herrington said. Facing grand jury for indictment on March 29, Havard came forward and admitted his guilt Tuesday, Herrington added. According to Herrington, �He said he had gotten into a financial bind and just thought he would borrow that money. He hoped to pay it back but he was not able to do that,� Herrington said. Herrington went on to commend Havard for coming forward. The City of Diboll has appointed retired Texas Ranger Donald Morris interim police chief until a replacement for Havard can be found.