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LANSING — Today, former Hartford Police Chief Tressa Beltran was sentenced before the Honorable Judge Kathleen M. Brickley in the 36th Circuit Court in Van Buren County to 40 months to 20 years’ incarceration for one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime in relation to drug dealing activities while serving as police chief, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. 

Beltran was also given a concurrent sentence for one count of Delivery less than 50 Grams of a Controlled Substance for 330 days to 20 years. After the sentencing hearing, Beltran was immediately taken into custody to begin serving her sentences. She pled guilty to each count in April.  

Beltran was also made to permanently surrender her MCOLES law enforcement license ensuring she can never be employed as a police officer in the State of Michigan again. She admitted under oath that while she was working as the City of Hartford’s chief law enforcement officer, she possessed controlled substances with the intent to deliver them and that she used a computer to arrange to deliver controlled substances. 

“Today’s sentence delivered a clear message that no one is above the law,” Nessel said. “I commend the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent investigative efforts that led to the removal of Ms. Beltran from her position as police chief, ensuring she could no longer jeopardize public health. My office will continue to pursue public integrity and hold accountable those who abuse their positions of power.” 

“I would like to thank everyone for their hard work on this case,” said Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott. “Our Narcotic Unit didn’t turn their head and handled it professionally to get today’s result. As I’ve said before, someone’s position in our community won’t alter how we do our job at our office. Everyone is treated the same way. Captain Jim Charon oversaw the operation from start to finish and oversaw the Police Department the day the search warrant was executed to ensure everything was handled professionally. The AG’s Office had a lot of hours in it as well and was very thorough with the details. It’s nice to get some closure today for everyone involved with all of their hard work.” 

Detectives from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive investigation into Chief Tressa Beltran after receiving numerous tips about her actions. The investigation concluded with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Unit discovering evidence that Beltran had used her position as Chief of Police to commit these numerous offenses.