Feds seek extension in deputy’s case
INDIANAPOLIS – Federal authorities have requested an additional month to indict or file formal charges against a retired Delaware County sheriff’s deputy accused of selling county-owned ammunition.
Arlan Johnson allegedly sold $8,580 worth of ammunition between January 2012 and last Aug. 5.
Johnson was taken into custody by federal agents on Feb. 11 and taken to U.S. District Court in Indianapolis, where he was released at the conclusion of a preliminary hearing.
The 29-year law enforcement veteran had retired last September in the wake of an internal investigation by the sheriff’s department and a probe conducted by federal agents.
The preliminary charge, theft from a government agency receiving federal funds, carries up to 10 years in federal prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s office has until March 11 to indict Johnson or otherwise charge him. On Thursday, however, U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler asked in a motion that the deadline be extended until April 12.
Since the preliminary hearing, the motion says, “counsel for the United States and counsel for (Johnson) have been in contact, are actively engaged in discussing numerous issues of this case, and believe that all parties would benefit from additional time to continue these discussions prior to indictment.”
The document identifies Johnson’s lawyer as Michael J. Alexander of Muncie.