(AP) – A former Arkansas sheriff’s deputy accused of forcing
confidential informants to steal for him has pleaded not guilty.The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that 47-year-old Charles Chastain
pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges of extortion, attempted
extortion and attempted possession of a stolen firearm.
confidential informants to steal for him has pleaded not guilty.The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that 47-year-old Charles Chastain
pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges of extortion, attempted
extortion and attempted possession of a stolen firearm.
Chastain was affiliated with the Tri-County Drug Task Force, where he
supervised confidential informants in drug cases in and near Arkansas County.
An FBI agent’s affidavit says Chastain was arrested in December soon after
taking possession of three rifles he believed were stolen and had asked an
informant to find for him. The agent alleges Chastain admitted to also using his law enforcement status to coerce two informants to steal a vehicle he then kept for personal use.
His proposed trial date is April 16.
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