ATF finds possible violations made by former Searcy police chief

FILE — Former Searcy police chief Jeremy Clark speaks at a Nov. 24, 2014, news conference.
FILE — Former Searcy police chief Jeremy Clark speaks at a Nov. 24, 2014, news conference.

A year-long arson investigation led to the discovery of several possible federal law violations made by the former Searcy Police Department chief who resigned earlier this week, authorities say.

Officials started the investigation in March 2014 into an arson at 409 Pollard St. in Bradford, which was owned by then-Police Chief Jeremy Clark, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent Grover Crossland said in an emailed statement.

Through the investigation, agents discovered possible violations of "Federal firearms and controlled substance laws, as well as abuse of power allegations by Chief Jeremy Clark," the email states.

Clark's residence, city-owned vehicle and his office at the police department was searched by ATF agents, Crossland said.

Crossland said the city has "cooperated fully" with the investigation and that the evidence obtained in the case has been sent to the U.S. Attorney's office for prosecution.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette previously reported that Searcy Mayor David Morris was also served a warrant to confiscate unidentified city property.

Morris announced in a news conference on Tuesday that Clark resigned his position as chief effective immediately with a handwritten letter received by the city about 3:45 p.m. that afternoon.

Clark said in the letter that he was "reluctantly" resigning due to "events out of our control and the possible embarrassment that could be caused to the City of Searcy's Police Department."

Morris appointed veteran officer Eric Webb as the new Searcy police chief "effective immediately and until further notice."

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