Great Lakes Wire

Former Hartford Police Chief Tressa Beltran has pleaded guilty to drug-related charges in a case that has shocked the community. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Beltran admitted to one count each of Delivery or Possession with the Intent to Deliver less than 50 Grams of a Controlled Substance and Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime.

The plea deal includes a sentencing agreement that will see Beltran facing a minimum term of incarceration of 24-40 months, with a statutory maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment. The sentence for each count will run concurrently. Additionally, Beltran has been permanently stripped of her law enforcement license by MCOLES, ensuring she can never work as a police officer in the state of Michigan again.

The charges against Beltran included selling controlled substances, using her influence to extort others for controlled substances, illegal possession of various controlled substances, embezzlement, and use of a computer to commit a crime. Beltran acknowledged under oath that she possessed controlled substances with the intent to deliver them and used a computer to facilitate the transactions while serving as the City of Hartford’s chief law enforcement officer.

The investigation into Beltran was extensive, with detectives from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office uncovering evidence of her illicit activities. Attorney General Nessel expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that led to Beltran's removal from her position, stating, "Public integrity matters, public health matters, and a drug-dealing police chief cuts deeply against both."

The Honorable Judge Kathleen M. Brickley presided over the pretrial conference, with sentencing scheduled for June 24, 2024. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding public trust and integrity, especially among those in positions of power.