Former Iron Mountain Lake Police Chief Pleads Not Guilty to All Criminal Charges

(Farmington) The former Iron Mountain Lake chief of police made an appearance in court last week in regards to his five felonies and two misdemeanors levied against him.

52-year-old John Washburn waived his formal arraignment and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His next court date will be February 19th at the St. Francois County Courthouse.

An investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department led to the arrest of Washburn last September.

A search warrant was served at Iron Mountain Lake City Hall and police say they discovered missing evidence along with other missing items from the city building.

Another warrant was executed at Washburn’s Farmington home and police say they found drugs and paraphernalia.

Washburn is charged with two counts of stealing a controlled substance, two counts of tampering with evidence, one count of possession of a controlled substance and impersonating a police officer.

Another charge of false impersonation of a police officer came after Washburn was in a vehicle pursuit in Farmington, outside of his jurisdiction while he allegedly displayed a shotgun in a threatening manner.

Washburn is no longer the Iron Mountain Lake police chief.

The City of Iron Mountain Lake is currently looking to hire a police officer.

If you are interested, call Iron Mountain Lake City Hall at 573-734-2042.