WHEATLEY, Ark. (WMC) — Former Wheatley Police Chief Jacob Lynn Gammel, 26, has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor property theft following his arrest earlier this year. Gammel, who was initially arrested on March 25 by the Arkansas State Police, faced charges of felony perjury and property theft.
The arrest came after an investigation into his actions, leading to charges for theft of property. According to Arkansas State Police, Gammel was arrested at his home and subsequently charged with the serious offenses. However, after legal proceedings, Gammel pleaded guilty to misdemeanor property theft in St. Francis County Circuit Court.
Details of the theft and the perjury charges were not disclosed, but the case marks a significant fall from grace for the former police chief, who had held a position of public trust in Wheatley.
The Arkansas State Police handled the investigation and arrest, and Gammel’s guilty plea to the misdemeanor charge has now concluded the legal process for this case.
The community of Wheatley and the local police department are continuing to deal with the aftermath of Gammel’s actions, which have cast a shadow over the department.