Kevin Vanden Heuvel, a former Brown County DARE officer, was taken to prison Friday afternoon by his former colleagues and friends.
"I'm embarrassed and ashamed of what I've done," said Vanden Heuvel.
Brown County Sheriff John Gossage was one of several people who took the stand asking for the maximum punishment for Vanden Heuvel.
"Your honor our badge is tarnished by the actions of this one officer," said Sheriff Gossage.
Despite the damage and mistrust Vanden Heuvel caused between the public, law enforcement and the DARE program, others came to his defense saying he was truly sorry for his actions.
"Kevin understands the gravity of what he has done, he has admitted it and asked for forgiveness of his wrong doing," said Vanden Heuvel's pastor.
Just before the judge made his final decision, Vanden Heuvel showed remorse in court.
"Regardless of the punishment receive today I vow to spend the rest of my life working to restore my face and reputation," said Vanden Heuvel.
In the end the judge had the final say. Sentencing Vanden Heuvel to 2 years behind bars and 7 years extended supervision for stealing thousands of dollars from the DARE program.
"When there's any sense of corruption it undermines the public confidence and reflects an ultimate breach of that power," said Brown County Judge Kendall Kelley
Judge Kelley made an example of Vanden Heuvel to show corrupt law enforcement behavior will not be tolerated in Brown County.
