LITTLE ROCK — A former Bald Knob police chief has been sentenced to six months of house arrest for a stolen firearm charge after an investigation of a suspicious fire involving his personal truck.
The Daily Citizen reported that 31-year-old Erek Balentine was also sentenced to three years of probation. He is also prohibited from working in law enforcement again.
Balentine accepted a plea bargain in March. He admitted in federal court that he possessed a stolen firearm.
Authorities initially investigated a fire involving Balentine's truck last September. Authorities say that while Balentine was still the Bald Knob police chief, he attempted to sell a shotgun that was donated to the police department for an auction.
Prosecutors told the judge they wouldn't pursue an arson and mail fraud case against Balentine if he reimbursed an insurance company nearly $13,000.