The Associated Press
Brownwood, Texas (AP) -- A former police chief from Bangs has been charged with selling city-owned guns at pawn shops and even trading one for a horse.
James Williams, 42, was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond after turning himself in Monday. He was indicted on a charge of theft by a public servant and a charge of misapplication of fiduciary funds, both third-degree felony charges with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
He bought some guns through a department fund and kept the money after selling them, according to an April 1 indictment that was sealed until Williams was in custody.
Williams, who was police chief from 1996 to July, has said the weapons belonged to him and claimed that city officials said they did not own them.
Williams resigned just before the City Council was to consider firing him.
The council hired Bill Copeland, 50, as police chief in September but fired him last week amid allegations of false arrest and retaliation. The Texas Rangers are investigating.
Bangs is a community of 1,600 people some 10 miles from Brownwood, which is about 120 miles southwest of Fort Worth.