Ex-Tallassee assistant police chief faces theft charges
TALLASSEE – The former Tallassee assistant police chief has been indicted on theft charges.
Christopher M. Miles, 41, of Glendale Acres in Eclectic, faces theft of property and burglary charges, records in the Elmore County Courthouse reflect. Miles has also pleaded guilty to four federal charges and is awaiting sentencing on those counts.
The most recent indictments deal with the theft of a Beretta 9 mm. handgun from the TPD’s evidence locker that allegedly took place while he was serving as assistant chief, said District Attorney Randall Houston. The burglary indictment comes from an unrelated 2013 case involving the break in of a home on West Butler Street in Tallassee, Houston said.
Miles could not be reached for comment. His attorney, Jennifer Tompkins, was out of her office Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.
If Miles is convicted, or pleads guilty to the state charges, any prison time would likely run concurrent with his federal sentence, Houston said.
“That’s what will likely happen,” he said. “In would rather the feds foot the bill for him being in prison than the state.
“Chris Miles is a prime example of someone who does not deserve to wear the badge of law enforcement. He abused his power as an officer and abused the trust of the public, which he swore to protect and serve. These charges, coupled with the federal charges against him, should ensure he never has the opportunity to do it again.”
On the federal charges, Miles pleaded guilty to two counts of obstruction of justice, one count of deprivation of rights and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The obstruction and deprivation of rights stem from Miles’ investigation of a child sexual abuse case against Stephen Conrad, of Tallassee. Miles was the lead investigator in the case. Conrad was charged with more than 100 counts in what was then called the worst child sexual abuse case in Elmore County.
It later came out that Miles coerced Conrad’s confession by striking him in the head on two occasions with a pack of copy paper, and other acts of physical abuse.
The charges were dropped against Miles and the case was re-investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
As to the drug charge. Miles stole 16 pounds of marijuana from the TPD evidence locker and sold it to a known drug dealer, federal court documents show.