The Searcy Daily Citizen reports that former Bald Knob police chief Erek Balentine is expected in federal court at 1:30 p.m. today to plead to a charge of possession of stolen property. The report was based on the newspaper’s interview with Balentine’s lawyer.

The charge concerns a firearm in possession of the police department that Balentine tried to sell, the newspaper said.


Balentine made news last year when he reported that his vehicle had been burned and painted with a pro-2nd Amendment message. This followed Balentine’s arrest of a man who wore a holstered gun in a McDonald’s. Balentine later resigned, citing concerns for his family’s safety.

The gun charge arose from the investigation of the arson. His guilty plea, several have reported, is part of a settlement that means the federal government won’t pursue any charges in the arson case.


He’ll be sentenced later, after a probation office report.

UPDATE: The Justice Department news release indicates the plea deal included a decision not to pursue a charge against Balentine for fraud in an insurance claim on his burned truck. He agreed to pay $12,000 restitution. The release:

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