Former Independence, Kansas Police Chief Sentenced

Former Independence, Kansas Police Chief Ken Parker was sentenced in Montgomery County District Court Tuesday as part of a plea agreement with the County Attorney's office.

Wednesday, July 16th 2014, 10:32 am

By: News On 6

Former Independence, Kansas Police Chief Sentenced

Former Independence, Kansas Police Chief Ken Parker was sentenced in Montgomery County District Court Tuesday as part of a plea agreement with the County Attorney's office.

According to KOAM, the CBS affiliate in Pittsburg, Kansas, Parker was charged in January 2014 with perjury, official misconduct, misuse of public funds and theft of property.

Court records show current chief Harry Smith, who was a detective for the department at the time, noticed irregularities in September 2011 regarding purchases made by Parker. Smith notified the Independence city manager who directed him to continue his investigation and notify the Montgomery County Attorney.

KOAM said the investigation was referred to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, who determined Parker had purchased weapons, ammunition, food, generators and camping equipment.

When the city told Parker he was suspended pending the result of the investigation, Parker resigned.

During Tuesday's court hearing, Parker pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution.