A former sergeant with the Saginaw Police Department has been sentenced to jail and terminated from his position following a barcode fraud scheme that shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about ethical misconduct among law enforcement personnel.
According to court records, 39-year-old Ian Wenger, a former Saginaw Police sergeant, was found guilty of third-degree retail fraud in connection with a scheme that involved generating fake barcodes to purchase items at reduced prices. The fraudulent activity was discovered earlier this year and was quickly followed by an internal investigation.
Wenger pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 15 days in jail. He is currently serving his sentence at the Midland County Jail. In addition to his incarceration, he has been ordered to pay approximately $1,200 in court fines and associated costs.
The scheme centered around Wenger’s misuse of department property. Court documents reveal that he used a Saginaw Police Department-issued label maker to print counterfeit barcodes. These were then affixed to various grocery items, allowing him to purchase higher-priced goods for significantly lower prices at Walmart. Though the exact number of fraudulent transactions remains unclear, investigators were able to link the fraudulent barcodes directly to Wenger’s activities.
Wenger was initially arrested in February 2025. At the time, the Saginaw Police Department placed him on administrative suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. After reviewing the evidence and conducting internal disciplinary proceedings, the department officially terminated Wenger in April.
“This type of behavior is completely unacceptable, particularly from someone entrusted with upholding the law,” a spokesperson from the Saginaw Police Department stated. “Mr. Wenger’s actions do not reflect the values or integrity of our department.”
The case has raised broader concerns about internal oversight and the potential for abuse of departmental resources. Although the financial damage caused by the barcode fraud was relatively minor, the betrayal of public trust has had far-reaching implications for both the Saginaw Police Department and the community it serves.
Local residents and officials have expressed disappointment and frustration over the incident, calling for increased accountability and transparency in handling cases of officer misconduct. Some have also urged for enhanced screening and ethical training measures within law enforcement agencies to prevent similar violations in the future.
Wenger’s case serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law — including those who are sworn to uphold it. As the community processes the fallout of this incident, authorities remain committed to reinforcing trust and integrity within their ranks.
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