Frisbie serving sentence in Georgia

Monday, February 9, 2009

Former Putnam County Sheriff Mark T. Frisbie has been sent to a federal penitentiary in Georgia to serve his sentence on a federal program theft conviction.

Frisbie, 38, is in the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta. Frisbie is in the facility's satellite camp for minimum-security male inmates, a prison spokesperson said.

In November, U.S. District Court Judge Larry McKinney sentenced Frisbie to two months in prison, four months on home detention with electronic monitoring and two years of probation.

Frisbie went to prison on Feb. 2. Prison officials said his projected release date is listed as unknown.

Frisbie was allowed to leave court after his sentencing, and was notified by the federal court when he was to start serving his sentence.

Frisbie could have been sentenced to 10 years and prison and assessed a $250,000 fine.

Frisbie's arrest came at the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Indiana State Police after allegations surfaced that Frisbie had stolen funds from the Putnam County Sheriff's Department to provide training and accommodations for employees of his person business, Frisbie Security Consulting LLC, and to pay for travel expenses for his stepdaughter and pay himself back for expenses the department had already reimbursed him for.

The thefts -- six separate instances -- took place between January 2006 and March 2008, and totaled just under $12,000.

Frisbie pled guilty to the charge in August, a week after he resigned from the department.

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  • Two months is a slap on the wrist!!!!

    -- Posted by senior'08 on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 10:22 AM
  • HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Still, he's going to be in Georgia. He's got no friends down there, no one is going to know him. Nor will they care where Putnam County.

    -- Posted by Mercidos on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 11:39 AM
  • minimum security. Is like Club fed or what? He should hope no one finds out he is a former sheriff.

    -- Posted by fannatic on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 12:09 PM
  • I'd love to know how he was transported? (Did our Sheriff's Dept. take him or did he find his own wasy) At taxpayers dollars of course!

    -- Posted by whodouthinkur on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 12:17 PM
  • At least he did time. That's something the crooked politicians, including Bill Clinton, have not done!!!!

    -- Posted by donzo on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 1:23 PM
  • Two months in jail (minimum security) and 4 months home detention, come on! This is a slap in the face to people not in law enforcement that get 1 year home detention and 6 months in jail for a petty crime and yes I have seen it happen in Putnam County more than once! What is fair about this????

    -- Posted by Confused citizen on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 1:45 PM
  • I hope he enjoys his stay.

    -- Posted by firebreathinglocomotive on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 3:23 PM
  • at least his family has an excuse not to visit...too far.. when the cat is away the mice will play...why didn't he go to Terre haute like he said he was... Oh I know he's an inmate and he don't get a choice which club Fed he attends. while down there he might even meet Bubba.... you know buba gump LOL

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 4:50 PM
  • Really wanted to see his picture in prison orange.

    FAT CHANCE

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 4:51 PM
  • I agree with the Pastor. This is truly a joke. Several years ago, a young lady went to a large wooded area in the Southern part of the county to commit suicide. While I and many other people were on our 4 wheelers looking for her with a helicopter above us also trying to find her, this fine Sheriff sat on the tailgate of his SUV and didn't lift a finger.

    Couldn't happen to a nicer guy-altho he should've received the same sentence as many of the people hes arrested in Putnam County and shouldve stayed close to home so other inmates would know hes a Sheriff. You know what they say "What goes around comes around".

    -- Posted by dbltrbl on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 6:14 PM
  • Welcome to Putnam county folks. This county has always been like this. The more clout you have, the less punishment you get. The lower your statis the more they will hang you for doing the same crime. It's a double standard as always here in this county. The thing is it'll always be like this till people decide to take a stand and try to change things.

    -- Posted by whitewolf135 on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 6:30 PM
  • hey beneDICK because he's from a particular party that makes everyone in that party a crook? what an ignorant statement, and i don't belong to his party.

    at one time mark was an outstanding officer, i don't know why he let his position go to his head, (as most of pc does), but he got his now deal with it.

    -- Posted by gottokno on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 6:40 PM
  • This makes no sense to me ..... why did he get less time ? Because he took less money than the others convicted of the same thing ? He held a trusted position - was an authority figure. Shouldn't that make him more accountable ? Isn't it supposed to be 1.5 years time, then 1.5 probation or home detention ? Or, did I mis-interpret what I read in an earlier article ?

    -- Posted by Scripted Spontaneity on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 7:04 PM
  • similar charges and sentences and policy of prosecutor's office on requesting sentencing for these types of offenses.

    "It has been in the past and will continue to be the policy of my office to request prison sentences on all cases where employees have stolen large sums of monies and breached the trust their employers have placed in them."

    http://www.bannergraphic.com/story/1488017.html

    Everhart .... $5,700. - two years with six months executed in the Putnam County Jail. After serving that time, Everhart will spend six months on home detention and one year on probation.

    Lang .... $31,900 .... two-year sentence Monday in Putnam County Circuit Court on a Class D felony theft charge..... four-and-a-half months in the Putnam County Jail, four-and-a-half months on community corrections and the remainder of her sentence on probation.

    http://www.bannergraphic.com/story/1490815.html

    Wade - $130,000. ..2-1/2 years with 18 months house arrest, and the remainder on probation

    (18 months of her sentence as a direct commitment to Putnam County Community Corrections -- house arrest -- and the rest on probation.)

    http://www.bannergraphic.com/story/1485026.html

    -- Posted by Scripted Spontaneity on Mon, Feb 9, 2009, at 8:59 PM
  • why cant you guys leave Mark alone. there are people in this county and past sheriff's who have

    done a lot worse and got nothing. As far as his

    family goes lay off she works everyday and does

    not live off the goverment like a lot of people

    does.

    -- Posted by cec on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 5:32 AM
  • I'm willing to bet he went to Georgia because the other inmates there would be less likely to know who he is than the ones in Terre Haute. You know, to make it easier on the "poor guy"? What a travesty of justice this whole affair is!

    -- Posted by '74tiger on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 6:24 AM
  • Lots of comments on Marks sentence and it being Putnam County Politics. Folks this was NOT Putnam County Politics, this was the Federal System that handled Marks case and investigation, with the help of the State. So I ask how is any Putnam County Politician to blaim for any of this? I too am mad and very disappointed with Mark and the system as a whole, but we shouldn't blaim agencies that were not involved. Comparing Marks sentence to anyone that received a sentence from our County Court, well they are not the same. Mark was tried and convicted in Indianapolis in Federal Court by a Federal Judge, This Judge was not appointed or voted into his/her office by ANYONE in Putnam County. Mark is guilty, will do his sentence, but comparing him to the others is like comparing auto makers, they are all diffrent.

    For the record, before I am FLAMED, I think Mark should have done more lock up time and little stiffer fine, HOWEVER I would much rather see my federal tax dollars houseing Murders, Drug cartels, and more serious offenders then thieves. But then again, like you, just my opinion....

    -- Posted by CastlePirate on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 6:32 AM
  • Our tax money more than likely paid for his trip to Atlanta and of course to get him home after his two months. For two months he will have time to have all the pleasures. Lot's of time to rest-DVD movies-recreation-time to read etc. And I wonder what the taxpayers are paying for him to be there.I wouldn't mind a vacation for a couple of months in a warmer climate.

    -- Posted by peace2019 on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 6:41 AM
  • in response to 'pirate'- who called the feds into this to begin with? Methinks you protest a bit too much. WE saw you in the courtroom- think vulture would be a more appropriate moniker.

    Where has there been an acknowledgment of how much money Mark contributed to the county in terms of fundraising and jail management?

    FYI- tax money does NOT pay for prison transport-

    -- Posted by sommers on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 7:58 AM
  • PUTNAM COUNTY IS SAD. I UNDERSTAND THIS MAN HAD SOME WRONG DOINGS BUT HE WASNT A RAPIST, A DRUG DEALER OR A CHILD MOLESTER. TO WISH ILL WILL ON HIM IS SO SAD. FOR THE PERSON WHO PUT THEY HOPE HE MEETS BUBBA IS A SICK INDIVIDUAL. HIS FAMILY WILL READ THIS. DO YOU NOT THINK THEY ALREADY FEAR THE WORSE FOR THIS MAN??

    -- Posted by skittlebug on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 8:18 AM
  • In reply to Pastor:

    That is one of the poorest examples of exegetical interpretation that I have ever seen.

    I have to remind you that any basic interpretation of Scripture needs to have context in mind. In reference to the OT law, God was establishing a law structure meant to help govern a nation, as well as--more importantly--to show what sin was and the very negative effects of it and how justice demanded there be payment. Unfortunately for your stance, we don't live in Israel in B.C. times.

    Once Christ entered the scene, he then became the payment, God's retribution, for sin. And God is no longer in the process of running a nation, but instead is interested in guiding His family, the church. And all are welcome, should they accept the payment of His Son for their wrongs.

    To take some OT law and try to relate it to the American justice system is a misguided effort. Not to mention, I would hope when you mentor those in the prison, you speak not only of God's hatred of sin, but also His love and forgiveness. For I saw no mention of them in your stance that should retribution not be paid, one should be put to death for theft.

    It is past time to realize this was a federal case, with a federal judge ruling over it. I certainly feel as if Mark got a soft sentence, but if I were in his shoes I would hope for the same.

    -- Posted by cloverfan on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 8:43 AM
  • Everywhere I've ever worked I've seen so much cheating in businesses & on taxes, from doctors & business owners to professors, etc... -- people charging personal & family meals, upgrading rental cars & hotels for the family get-away, fudging on allowances and expenses.....those of you without fault go ahead & cast your stones. It is just sickening - the only difference is you haven't been confronted or caught ---but many of us out here see it. So be careful in your self-righteous comments - you're no different!

    -- Posted by BG-reader on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 8:48 AM
  • sommers...I donot protest too much, other then the disappointment in the sentence as well as extreme disappointment in Frisbie, like most of us on this blog. Just wanted to clarify what court did what, "Knowledge is Power"

    In regards to being in the courtroom, no I was not, you do have me confused with someone else Sorry for your mistake again.

    "in response to 'pirate'- who called the feds into this to begin with?" Well I was under the impression that the State did? If I have been misinformed I apoligize, just my understanding.

    There does seem to be ALOT of misinformation out there on this case and as I stated "before I get Flamed" Just thought some clarification would be appropiate if you disagree thats your right and I'll argue your right to disagree with ya but not against you. Apparently in your rush to yell at me you missed the part where I said "I think Mark should have done more lock up time and little stiffer fine"?? Good Day Sir/Madam

    -- Posted by CastlePirate on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 10:33 AM
  • Frisbie made his mistake and now pays his price. Exclusive of his sentence (complain as you will over the length/severity), Frisbie has to start over personally and professionally from square one with a federal felony rap hanging over his head. Think he's going to get a warm reception back in Putnam County these days? Think he's going to have success finding work anywhere with a federal felony rap? Just be content that this chapter of Putnam County history is closed.

    -- Posted by Bones on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 11:49 AM
  • Must be nice to get your picture in your fancy uniform when every other criminal gets to wear his/her nice orange uniform! By the way isn't anybody else allowed to drive the fancy cruser with the tinted windows and fancy wheels?

    -- Posted by Insane Due to Society on Tue, Feb 10, 2009, at 12:57 PM
  • I believe that the Feds were called in because Mark stole Federal Grant money. In such a case the Feds investigate and prosecute the crime. The county is basically shut out of the process.

    I agree with the comment that we need to quit blaming all of the "politicians" for Mark's bad judgemnt. It sounds like sour grapes. In a year where the D's took most races, the voters in PC felt like they voted for their best choices, no matter the party.

    -- Posted by hoosierpete on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, at 6:24 AM
  • 2 months for stealing $12,000 dollars!!! WOW, I'm in the wrong line of work!! That's one heck of a deal, I bet if I stole $12,000 I'd get more than 2 months! That's less than a slap on the wrist, that's a slap across the faces of Putnam County citizens!!! I feel violated and dirty, I'm going to take a shower now.

    -- Posted by L & L inc. on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, at 7:23 AM
  • To Pastor:

    I would suggest you also read the rest of Romans 3, mainly vs. 28.

    In fact, I misread your original post. I thought that you were stating that Frisbee should serve not a day less than the 10 years he could receive, instead you were saying he should not serve a day at all. Interesting take, one that certainly intrigues me.

    I fear you also misread my post. At no point did I ever advocate theft, or any other violation of God's law. Like I said, God's law shows us what sin is. In addition, I am not against God's law nor do I feel that God is not sovereign. I just believe Scripture teaches that God's justice has already been carried out--in the brutal death of His son for retribution of our sins (and will also be carried out at the end of time based on our acceptance of this truth). My job now is not to live by the law, but to live by the Spirit. If you don't cover your head in church, fry your meat in goat's milk, or practice in sacrifices for forgiveness, you actually agree with me.

    Our job now is to search and discover what it means to live by the Spirit. For which Romans 8 and Galatians 5:22 are quite helpful.

    Good day sir.

    -- Posted by cloverfan on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, at 8:16 AM
  • cec, you must be a so called friend.

    Wake up This man was suposed t obe at a higher standard. looked up by the people. He is a discrace to his profession. That is it. We elected him and He STOLE money for himself . I'm sorry that his step daughter was brought in via the paper. I'm sure she didn't know he was stealing , but a spouse should know there was more money coming in . You can say what you want but I know them too.

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, at 11:50 AM
  • I am so sorry if I offend anyone by this.

    However isn't this country supposed to be all about separation of church and state?

    And can we drop the whole religion debate thing now? You are actually asking us to compare Luke to Exodus and this is relative to Frisbee how?

    Again I mean no disrespect but I feel it from the bible based blogging going on here. The prison system is Pagan? Dude come on where are you...mars?

    I see you are a pastor and I respect that and love you as a fellow human being, your quest benefits us all. BUT ...........we have struggled for thousands of years to overcome the punishments brought down by what the churches believe.

    See you in church!

    -- Posted by Jeff Lancaster on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, at 4:15 PM
  • PASTOR.

    Well said!

    -- Posted by Jeff Lancaster on Thu, Feb 12, 2009, at 9:16 AM
  • A lying thief is a lying thief,regardless of your 'social status'. Should he be jailed for the postition he took advantage of? Of course in a perfect world.But in the real world of Putnam Co. its who you know...as usual.As far as the other inmates knowing he's a former sheriff....of course they will. The guards there that live 'within the law' will make sure of it.

    -- Posted by cominatcha on Thu, Feb 12, 2009, at 6:04 PM
  • do we really know he's locked up or is he spending time with someone down there. Now is he really spending lock-up time or a 2 month vacation..hmmmm makes you wonder huh....

    -- Posted by letusalltalk on Thu, Feb 12, 2009, at 6:25 PM
  • This is about Frisbie not the 700 club!

    -- Posted by 1stamendrights on Fri, Feb 13, 2009, at 8:36 AM
  • How cares? let him stay in jail.

    -- Posted by tjchopper on Fri, Feb 13, 2009, at 9:18 AM
  • Sure Mark got a sweet deal,and I'm sure his right to full benefits of citizenship will be restored. Unlike anyone else with a felony I'm sure he won't have a hard,or damned near impossible time getting a job. He'll have plenty of help getting his place back in society.Just another case of who you are,or who you know.Please don't waste too much time feeling sorry for him.

    -- Posted by redrose2 on Fri, Feb 13, 2009, at 7:05 PM
  • Leave Mark alone? He was a trusted official who stole money for his own selfish means and broke that trust. What an example to set for the chldren of Putnam County.

    -- Posted by Oahu_Armywife on Sat, Feb 14, 2009, at 12:54 PM
  • evidently my previous post offended someone. i will try and be more socially acceptable this time for you bleeding hearts.

    if it quacks like a duck and it walks like a duck , then it must be a duck. if it steals like a sheriff and lies like a sheriff, it must be a lying thief. who cares? at least he went to prison for a couple of months anyway. his life will never be the same . once a promising carreer in law enforcement , now a promising career as a CONVICTED felon. may he enjoy the monicker "convicted felon" the rest of his life. the record of convictions dont just go away. i have always been under the assumption that police officers were supposed to held to a higher standard. a standard for the community to be proud of and children to aspire to be like oneday. not Convict Fribie though ,he disgraced himself ,his family , his community , his proffession and most of all , the children and young adults that quite possibly wanted to be like him when they grew up. in my humble opinion mark frisbie is nothing more than a convicted felon , nothing more than the dozens if not hundreds of peoples lives he himself took credit for ruining for a lapse in judgement, a CONVICTED FELON.

    for those of you who think i may have an axe to grind with our convicted sheriff , you are incorrect. i have personally heard convict frisbie talk of , if not brag about , the arrests made under his watch for some crimes as trivial as a minor in possession of alcohol to some arrests as serious as aggravated assault. an officer of the law is not allowed the luxury of a double standard when it comes to the letter of the law

    -- Posted by A Mad Bovine on Sat, Feb 14, 2009, at 5:45 PM
  • Well i think is really in jail or if you look at the pictures its like a big whitehouse only gray. link below. his release date is 3-31-2009

    http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreL...

    -- Posted by The-crazy-dog-lady on Wed, Feb 18, 2009, at 7:20 AM
  • People go to jail longer stealing at wal-mart!

    -- Posted by 1stamendrights on Wed, Feb 18, 2009, at 1:18 PM
  • I KNOW WHAT HE DID WAS WRONG,BUT BEFORE ALL OF U TARE AND FEATHER HIM, AND HIS FAMILY. I HAVE TO ASK U ALL. HAVE U EVER CHEATED ON YOURE TAXES? MAYBE DECIDED U MIGHT JUST TAKE SOME PRINTER PAPER OR OFFICE GOODIES FROM WORK. THEY STILL CALL THAT STEALING. U MAY NOT BE LAUGHING SO HARD WHEN THE FEDS COME NOCKING ON Y0URE DOOR............

    -- Posted by enough 1 on Sun, Feb 22, 2009, at 11:10 AM
  • In an interwiew with a reporter after his appearance in court in Indy , he has the audacity to say 'we'll all look back on this and laugh about it"!!!!!!!

    What kind of remorse is THAT????

    I agree with Mad Bovine.............

    -- Posted by cominatcha on Mon, Feb 23, 2009, at 11:37 AM
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