Spencer officer arrested in drug investigation

SPENCER — A Spencer police officer was arrested recently for allegedly removing illegal narcotics and controlled substance from secure storage.

Sgt. James B. Deckard, 39, Gosport, has been charged with official misconduct and theft, both Level 6 felonies.

Deckard is an 18-year veteran of law enforcement and has been employed by the Spencer Police Department for the last 12 months.

The complaint began after the Owen County prosecutor contacted the Indiana State Police and requested an investigation after an officer allegedly removed items from secured storage.

According to ISP, the investigation by Sgt. Greg Ashby and Master Trooper Craig Starr determined that Sgt. Deckard utilized his authority to remove illegal narcotics and controlled substances from the DEA Drug Take Back Container stored within the Spencer Police Department.

Early Friday morning, Deckard was booked into the Owen County Jail, where he posted bond.