Little Rock, AR — A former police chief marshal from the Wheatley Police Department has pleaded guilty to theft charges after being accused of extorting money from a local business owner in exchange for protection. Jacob Lynn Gammel, 26, entered the plea in St. Francis County Circuit Court on December 2, according to officials with the Arkansas State Police.
Gammel, who had served as the Chief Marshal in the small town of Wheatley, was initially arrested on March 25 and faced felony charges of perjury and theft of property. However, as part of a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor charge of theft of property.
According to authorities, Gammel had been receiving monthly payments from a convenience store owner in Wheatley. The payments, which amounted to what investigators described as a “protection fee,” were allegedly tied to the store’s gaming machines. Investigators say Gammel threatened to arrest the store owner if he failed to make the monthly payments.
St. Francis County Sheriff Bobby May confirmed the details of the case, stating that the former officer used his position of authority to intimidate and coerce the store owner. “It’s a breach of trust,” May said. “He took advantage of his position to exploit a local business.”
The case drew significant attention due to the involvement of a law enforcement officer in criminal activity, particularly in a small town like Wheatley, which has a population of just 297 people. The town, located in St. Francis County, had relied on Gammel to uphold the law, but instead, authorities say he used his role to extort money from local residents.
Gammel’s arrest earlier this year had sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, where law enforcement officers are often seen as pillars of the small-town structure. Local residents expressed disbelief at the charges, as Gammel had been a prominent figure in the Wheatley Police Department.
As part of his sentencing, Gammel will face consequences for his actions, though specific details of the sentence were not immediately available. His guilty plea resolves the case, but it also raises questions about oversight and accountability within small-town police departments.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity within law enforcement, as even small-town officers can misuse their power and influence.