WEST COLUMBIA, Texas – A police chief was placed behind bars Thursday.
West Columbia Police Chief Michael Palmer was arrested on nine counts of tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance.
Palmer has been accused of taking prescription pills and other medication during arrests and hospice death investigations dating back to March 2012.
Brazoria County prosecutors said some of Palmer's officers reported some of the alleged incidents.
Investigators said they plan to review every case that came out of the department over the past year. They are encouraging anyone with concerns about their cases to come forward.
A captain will lead the police department until further notice.