Criminal charges are being brought against the former California, Missouri police chief today (Wednesday).
The Moniteau County Prosecutor filed two counts of stealing and one county of forgery against 47 year old Michael Ward following an investigation by the Missouri Highway Patrol.
According to court records,it was determined a handgun, an AR-15, and two holographic sights were missing after an inventory earlier in the month.
Investigators report Ward bought the AR-15 and holographic sights with department funds between September 2016 and August 2017, and then allegedly sold the guns to a pawn shop in Jefferson City.
The serial numbers of the guns matched those of the missing guns from the police department.
According to the probable cause statement Ward is also accused of forging document to make it look like an officer worked full time in order to get medical leave.
The Morgan County Prosecutor has appointed as a special prosecutor in the case.