Sheriff's official accused of theft of cash evidence

After the missing 14-year-old girl's body was found, DuPage County sheriff's Lt. Paul Dunklau helped unearth the slain child from her makeshift grave.

He dug through the mud using his hands rather than a shovel so as to not disturb the evidence that ultimately led to the two killers' convictions and life imprisonment for the May 31, 2001, slaying.

His meticulous work during a 23-year police career earned Dunklau the reputation amongst his peers as one of the most-respected, dedicated crime-scene investigators in the area.

It is Dunklau, though, who now is accused of a crime. A DuPage County grand jury indicted the 48-year-old Naperville man Thursday on felony theft and official misconduct charges.

Prosecutors said he stole cash from Jan. 24, 2001, until about six months ago while supervising the sheriff's property section. The money was being stored as evidence from crime investigations.

The official indictment alleges Dunklau stole $300 to $10,000. Sheriff John Zaruba said the discrepancy was uncovered in March during a routine department audit. The sheriff initiated an internal investigation. He brought in the county auditor and prosecutors for assistance.

Zaruba said Dunklau voluntarily resigned after learning he was a suspect. The sheriff called Dunklau an "exemplary supervisor and trusted employee for 23 years until this incident."

State's Attorney Joe Birkett agreed.

"I personally had the highest regard for Paul, but clearly he had demons that we were unaware of," said Birkett, who praised the sheriff and his staff for its handling of the investigation. "If these allegations are proven true, Mr. Dunklau violated his oath and, in doing so, disgraced himself and his uniform."

The audit continues.

Zaruba said he has instituted additional safeguards in the department's processing and handling of evidentiary cash.

Dunklau led the sheriff's highly respected forensic unit, which often assists other agencies as part of the DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force.

No matter what time of night, task force Cmdr. Bruce Malkin said Dunklau would answer the call for help.

"He did outstanding work for me," said Malkin, a West Chicago deputy police chief. "I could always rely on him to get the job done right."

Neither Dunklau nor his attorney, Michael Fleming, could be reached for comment. Dunklau is expected to surrender this week for booking.