A U.S. magistrate judge on Thursday ordered the release an Arkansas lawman accused of extorting confidential informants into stealing an ATV.
Charles David Chastain, who worked as an unpaid deputy with the Arkansas County sheriff's office, was arrested in Stuttgart on Tuesday, shortly after taking possession of three purportedly stolen rifles that he had asked an informant who worked for him to get, according to a federal affidavit.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jerome Kearney ordered the release of Chastain on Thursday. The judge said he was releasing the man to his mother under the condition that he submit to electronic monitoring. The judge also ruled that the defendant undergo mental assessment and treatment, if the latter is found to be necessary.
"Almost never do we detain someone who has zero criminal history and has served his country and his state, up to this point," Kearney said. Shortly after the judge announced the decision, Chastain began to cry and placed his head down on a courtroom desk.
An arrest warrant states that Chastain was arrested on accusations of interference with commerce by threats or violence, "specifically, extortion under color of official right."
FBI Special Agent Aaron Green testified Thursday that two confidential informants, who were working for the deputy, reported that Chastain had directed them to steal an ATV, a vehicle that he would have for his own personal use. He said the two informants reported that they stole an ATV and gave it to Chastain.
Authorities later found the ATV at Chastain's shop in Stuttgart, he said.
Arkansas County Sheriff Todd Wright said Wednesday that Chastain began volunteering at the sheriff's office around Jan. 1 and is now on suspension from the agency pending the criminal investigation.
After he was taken into custody, Chastain, a former Arkansas State Police trooper, told authorities that he used his law enforcement status to coerce a confidential informant and another person to illegally take the all-terrain vehicle, according to the federal affidavit.
Chastain admitted accepting the ATV and said he intended to have it "for his sole, personal use," according to the affidavit.
The affidavit also said Chastain, 47, admitted to telling an informant to "locate stolen firearms or steal firearms for his personal benefit and use."
A federal prosecutor argued that Chastain was a danger to the community and violated public trust by using his law enforcement status to extort confidential informants.
Testifying before the court, Chastain's mother said she would let him live with her in Stuttgart and she would make sure he complies with any conditions from the court. She said her son fought in three wars, is a Purple Heart recipient and was wounded during his last tour of duty.
"He's just a sweet guy, I cannot believe any of this that he's been accused of," his mother said.
Metro on 12/22/2017