LINCOLN, Ark. (KNWA) – The former Lincoln Police Chief took a plea deal to possession of drug paraphernalia Monday in Washington County Circuit Court.
Brian Key, 41, was booked into the Washington County Detention Center back in December 2018 for tampering with physical evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Key pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor offense and sentenced to one-year probation by Washington County Circuit Judge, Mark Lindsey.
Key was also ordered to pay $790 in fines and court costs according to a sentencing order.
An affidavit states that on September 25, 2018, the Arkansas State Police launched an investigation into Key possibly mishandling evidence when he was the police chief.
“Reports had been received that the suspect had been taking prescription medication from people under the pretense of placing it in the city’s drug take-back box,” the affidavit states.
Surveillance video later revealed Key prying open the locker assigned to Lincoln officer Jeremy Brown. Key is seen taking an envelope out of the locker.
Key was fired from the police department in late October 2018.
Judge Lindsey reduced Key’s charges, dropping the tampering with physical evidence charge.
Judge Linsday also revoked Key’s law enforcement certification in the State of Arkansas. Key cannot work in law enforcement in the ever again in Arkansas.
