SEARCY -- An investigation into the former police chief in Searcy by federal agents is nearing an end, according to prosecutors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Givens said the investigation of Jeremy Clark by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives could be turned over in a couple of weeks to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Authorities have said that an arson investigation into Clark has led to evidence over possible firearms violations, abuse of power and controlled-substance infractions. Grover Crossland, a head agent with the ATF bureau in Little Rock, said that all of the evidence will be submitted to the U.S. attorney's office.
Clark resigned as police chief in March after ATF agents served search warrants at his home and for his city vehicle, The Daily Citizen reported. His attorney, Erin Cassinelli, said her client isn't guilty of the alleged violations.
"(Clark) looks forward to resolving these issues and moving on with his life, focusing on his family and others close to him," she said. "He is a good person, has much family and community support, and did what he thought was in the city's best interests in resigning (as Searcy police chief)."
The mayor tapped then-Capt. Eric Webb to be in charge of day-to-day operations for the police department after Clark's resignation. The city later received 14 applications for the police chief position, and Webb was hired on June 9.
State Desk on 07/29/2015