Formal charges filed against Greendale City Councilmember

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – Formal charges have been filed against a Greendale City Councilmember who is accused of stealing funds from a Dillsboro nonprofit. 

Brett “Mooch” Hamilton was the President of the Dillsboro Civic Club which hosts Dillsboro Homecoming Festival each May.

Hamilton has also served as a Greendale City Councilmember since 2024. 

Investigators say Hamilton used funds from the Dillsboro Civic Club for both personal reasons as well as campaign-related expenses. 

The Indiana State Police launched an investigation after the Dillsboro Civic Club vice president was contacted by a local bank about suspected fraudulent activity. 

Police say Hamilton spent approximately $115,774 from the accounts from 2018 until 2025. 

Detectives say the purchases included concert tickets, sports tickets, local restaurants, Amazon orders, airfare, cruises, cleaning services, gas, and other items. He also allegedly withdrew more than $48,000 from ATM’s. 

“Hamilton made 48 Travel transactions from February 9, 2021 and May 21, 2025 totaling $12,608.95. Your affiant observed transactions for hotel stays in cities including Columbus, Ohio, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas,” court documents show. 

Investigators added that the Dillsboro Civic Club was not aware of the transactions until a check was flagged by the bank. 

Hamilton has been charged with Theft, Fraud, Money Laundering, Corrupt Business Influence, and Official Misconduct. 

He was arrested on Friday afternoon and made an initial appearance in a Dearborn County courtroom where he pleaded not guilty on Tuesday