(Spencer)– The former Police Chief of Armstrong has entered two Alford pleas in charges filed against him in connection with an investigation into a corruption case involving several former officials in that town. Craig Merril entered the pleas just moments before his trial was to start earlier this week in Clay county.
The Alford pleas were entered to two counts of assault involving a police taser. As part of the deal, charges of misconduct in office, ongoing criminal conduct and first-degree theft were dismissed. Sentencing is set for September 17th.
An Alford plea is not an admission of guilt, but is an indication a jury would likely have enough evidence to render a guilty verdict.
Merril was charged after being arrested in February of 2021 in connection with an investigation into some irregularities that involved several other former employees with the city of Armstrong, who have pleaded guilty previously to the charges against them. Former Mayor Greg Buum is still scheduled to on trial for the charges against him October 1st.
