FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.A former northwestern Arkansas police chief fired from his job in October has now been arrested on evidence tampering and drug paraphernalia possession charges.
Former Lincoln Police Chief Brian Key was arrested Thursday on the two felony counts. The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports Key is free on $1,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 26.
Key had been with the Lincoln police for almost 15 years, becoming chief on Aug. 22. An Arkansas State Police spokesman says the agency began investigating Key on Sept. 25 for possible evidence mishandling after confiscated prescription medication was found to be missing. State Police Sgt. Kevin Brown said drug paraphernalia was found in Key's police vehicle. Key was fired Oct. 27.
Jail records list no attorney to speak for Key.