Monday, May. 18, 1992

Right From The Crime Fund

WHEN THE POLICE CHIEF IN A CITY AS VIOLENCE plagued as Detroit pilfers megabucks from a crime-fighting fund, no judge is likely to be lenient. Last week former police chief William Hart was convicted of stealing $2.6 million dollars from his department, in part to procure lavish gifts for his three mistresses. More money bankrolled a $1,000-a-week lottery habit and renovations on a Candadian vacation cottage. During the TV movie-like trial, an ex-police officer reported seeing $20,000 fall out of a cracked ceiling in Hart's house. The former chief's escapades could land him a 26-year prison sentence.