FLIPPIN -- A former police chief who was accused of using a city credit card to steal public funds has been sentenced to 20 years of probation after taking a plea deal.
Marion County Circuit Judge John Putman ordered Ronald "Dusty" Smith to pay the city $72,118 in restitution.
The felony theft charge carried a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail.
Putman told the attorneys that the plea deal is unusual because many people would expect a police officer who stole money and jeopardized cases to get jail time.
An affidavit filed in the case shows Smith spent about $63,718.84 on a city credit card.
The document noted Smith had access to government funds through police, city and drug-buy accounts.
State Desk on 03/11/2019