Probation for former Elgin deputy police chief in felony identity theft
A former Elgin deputy police chief pleaded guilty Thursday to hacking into his then-mistress's ex-husband's business email in an attempt to help her in her divorce.
Robert Beeter, 53, of Elgin, faced 20 counts of identity theft and misconduct, but those were dropped in exchange for the guilty plea and sentence of two years probation, along with 50 hours of community service, $1,140 in court fees and fines.
Beeter, who was fired from his position as police chief in Stockton, Illinois, after his arrest in spring 2013, also must turn over his smartphone for a forensic examination under the plea agreement approved by Judge John Barsanti.
Beeter was suspended for a month without pay in the summer of 2010 for having an affair with Elgin Police Sgt. Tamara Welter, whose husband, Greg, was a lieutenant on the police force.
Beeter was accused of repeatedly hacking into the email of Greg Welter and Welter's real estate business partner Deb Seitz, records show. Beeter also was accused of illegally using a law enforcement database for personal use, but those charges were dismissed as part of the plea.
Seitz and Greg Welter filed a federal lawsuit to get information about Beeter's actions, which they took to authorities.
Seitz said she felt Beeter should have done at least 30 days in jail as part of the plea.
Seitz said she is relieved that her five-year battle is over and she hopes to at least get her and Greg Welter's lawyer fees paid for as a result of the federal lawsuit against Beeter.
"I'm just grateful (Beeter is) a convicted felon," Seitz said. "He was supposed to be protecting the citizenry. Instead he was doing this stuff. In that respect, I'm satisfied. He will never work in law enforcement again. That was one thing we absolutely made sure of."
If Beeter violates his probation, he could be resentenced to up to seven years in prison.
A message left with Beeter's defense attorney, Brad Telander, was not immediately returned.