WHEATLEY, Ark. — The former police chief of Wheatley in St. Francis County has been arrested.
Jacob Gammel, 25, was booked into the St. Francis County Jail Monday on charges of theft and perjury. The charges stem from an alleged incident with a convenience store owner in Wheatley.
St. Francis County Sheriff Bobby May said Gammel allegedly accepted money from the owner on a monthly basis in exchange for protection involving gaming machines at the store.
Sheriff May said the machines were legal, and it was unlawful for Gammel to accept any money. Sheriff May said the business owner was misinformed about the law. Sheriff May said Gammel allegedly fabricated an affidavit, which is what May said got the State Police involved in the case. More charges could be filed.
In other news, Forrest City police have identified two persons of interest in a homicide.
The Forrest City Police Department said it is on the lookout for Latravion Bell and Joseph Walker in connection with the March 21 shooting death of 27-year-old Samuel Parchman Haggins.
Haggins was reportedly found unresponsive in the parking lot of some duplexes in Forrest City. Police said the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
