By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader senior staff writer
A well-liked and respected Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office investigator and his wife, also a department employee, have been fired by Sheriff John Staley, arrested by the State Police and charged with one count each of improper procedures concerning an investigation for allegedly getting and releasing information from the Arkansas Crime Information Center, according to Lt. James Kulesa, a coworker and spokesman for the department.
Lonoke County Prosecutor Chuck Graham confirmed that Steve and Misty Morgan each face one Class D felony for using the ACIC to look up information about a case involving a family member. Neither the sheriff nor Graham would say who the case involved.
Neither Staley nor Kulesa could be reached for comment Tuesday.
Graham said that after Staley and Cabot Police Chief Jackie Davis told him of the alleged breach, they asked the State Police to investigate.
The Morgans were placed on leave in early May. Misty Morgan worked as a receptionist. Graham said they had their first court appearances and are no longer in custody.
He said the alleged crime is punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.