Spencer Police Department officer arrested after investigation of misconduct, theft
SPENCER, Ind. (WISH) — An officer with the Spencer Police Department was arrested Friday for official misconduct and theft charges.
Indiana State Police conducted an investigation after the Owen County prosecutor contacted ISP and requested an investigation after an officer allegedly removed items from secured storage, according to a news release.
Upon first notice, the Spencer Police Department immediately referred the matter to ISP in accordance with official protocol on matters involving our own employees.
Sergeant James Bradley Deckard, 39, from Gosport and an 18-year veteran of law enforcement who has been employed by the Spencer Police Department for the last 10 months, utilized his authority to remove illegal narcotics and controlled substances from the Drug Enforcement Administration Take Back Container stored within the Spencer Police Department.
Officer Deckard has been notified that he has been placed upon administrative leave pending the convening of the Town Public Safety Board.
The results of that hearing will be reported to the Spencer Town Council for official action. The timing of that hearing will be determined by the statutory notices required and the ability to schedule the board meeting after due process notice.
No other officers of the Spencer Police Department are under any investigation and the charging affidavits appear to be focus on the actions of a single individual.
As a result of the investigation, Deckard was arrested and booked into the Owen County Jail Friday morning where he posted bond.
