FBI agents arrested Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler at his home Monday morning on a federal corruption charge. Tyler’s indictment document shows he faces one count of theft of government funds. He’s accused of accepting $5,000 from Tracy Barton, the former superintendent of Sewer Maintenance and Engineering for the Muncie Sanitary district, for using his influence for the purpose of awarding contracts. If convicted, he could face 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The 76-year-old Tyler had his initial court appearance Monday afternoon. He was released on undisclosed conditions until the next hearing in two weeks. An automatic not guilty plea was entered.
