Former Police Chief Charged With Stealing Guns

West Virginia Media, wtrf.com
BYLINE: Dave Elias

Martins Ferry, OH

Former Martins Ferry Police Chief Barry Carpenter is indicted on theft of firearms charges.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio -- Court documents obtained by WTRF reveal that former Martins Ferry Police Chief Barry Carpenter has been indicted on three counts of thefts of firearms.

Special Prosecutor Shawn Hervey said Carpenter allegedly stole guns from the Martins Ferry Police Department while he was chief there. The guns allegedly stolen include two pistols and one sniper rifle.

The indictments stem from a 10 month investigation into $9,000 in missing cash and numerous stolen guns.

"We can only link Carpenter to three of the missing guns. We believe he sold two of them for his own personal profit and kept a third gun." Hervey said.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Indentification is continuing the investigation and officials said it's possible further charges could be forthcoming.

Carpenter is already serving time in prison after he was found guilty for breaking into the home of the surrogate mother for actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

Carpenter is up for early release on June 10. However sources said it's likely these latest charges against him will prevent any early release.

If Carpenter is found guilty on the latest charges he could serve a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

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