OBERLIN - The former police chief of Kinder has pleaded guilty to malfeasance in office and theft over $1,500 for allegedly using town credit cards to buy fuel for personal use.

The American Press reports that Gary Pelican, 53, pleaded guilty Monday just before his trial was scheduled to begin. Nine other counts of malfeasance were dismissed against him.

He faces up to 15 years in prison and up to an $8,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for June 11.

Pelican was arrested by state police in January 2013 on 10 counts of malfeasance in office and one count of felony theft of $1,500 or more after an internal audit found excessive fuel expenses for the Kinder Police Department.

Image: The American Press