Two Police Chiefs Facing Felonies have First Day in Court

(Farmington) Two St. Francois County police chiefs had their first day in court after both were arrested on felonies just days apart from each other.

An investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department led to the arrest of Iron Mountain Lake Police Chief John Washburn.

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

Another warrant executed at Washburn’s Farmington home 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 came after Washburn was in a vehicle pursuit in the city of Farmington, outside of his jurisdiction while he allegedly displayed a shotgun in a threatening manner.

Washburn has posted a 150-thousand dollar bond and will be back in court on October 22nd.

Meanwhile, Leadwood Police Chief William Dickey has posted his 20-thousand dollar bond.

His next court date is also October 22nd. Dickey allegedly tampered with evidence, hindered prosecution and stole a gun from the Leadwood police evidence locker.

Until court proceedings are finished, both men have been ordered not to possess any firearms and ordered not to act in any law enforcement capacity.