Former Hoxie Police Chief Glen Smith has been charged with felony theft after allegedly pawning a city owned firearm.
Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division determined that former Hoxie Police Chief Glen Smith stole a rifle belonging to the Hoxie PD to pay “for a cell phone bill.”
In the court documents.
In August 2022, an investigation into the illegal sale of the firearm was launched by Third Judicial Prosecuting Attorney.
The investigation began after a citizen notified members of the council and the city attorney about a firearm at Russell’s Pawn in Walnut Ridge that may have been owned by the city.
The gun was originally bought by the city for $800 from a dealer in Pocahontas in the spring of 2021. Smith allegedly sold it to a Walnut Ridge pawn shop for $300.
ASP investigators discovered Hoxie’s mayor, Dennis Coggins, paid $600 to Russell’s Pawn store to get the gun back after being made aware of the gun being at the store.
Hoxie Mayor Coggins stated Smith told him that he ‘was under the influence when he sold the shotgun to Russell’s Pawn according to affidavits.
Smith was placed on leave from the Hoxie Police Department before being allowed to retire. Smith also allegedly signed a statement admitting he illegally took the shotgun.
Smith said he pawned the gun on Sept. 29, 2021, for $300 to Russell’s Pawn Shop because
he “needed money for a cell phone bill.”
Smith is charged with felony theft of property. He was booked into the Lawrence County Detention Center and released on his own recognizance.
Smith’s first court appearance is scheduled for Mar. 27th.