Former head of officers’ group pleads guilty to fraud
ST. LOUIS — A former St. Louis police sergeant on Tuesday admitted stealing stole more than $80,000 from the organization for black police officers that he once led.
Darren Randal Wilson, 42, pleaded guilty to nine wire fraud counts in U.S. District Court. Federal sentencing guidelines call for a prison term of 12 to 18 months. Sentencing is set for Dec. 12.
Wilson was president of the Ethical Society of Police in 2013 and 2014, giving him access to bank account funds that were made up primarily of members’ monthly dues. Prosecutors say Wilson used the money on a side business promoting comedy shows at local nightclubs. He was indicted in April 2014.
Wilson shares a first and last name with the Ferguson police officer who fatally shot 18-year-old Michael Brown in August 2014, but they aren’t related. The former Ferguson officer, who was white, was cleared of wrongdoing and resigned in November 2014. Darren Randal Wilson is black.