A mid-Michigan police chief has been arraigned on official misconduct and other charges for allegedly lying that his wife had been sexually assaulted by a sheriff’s deputy.
Potterville Police Chief Shane Bartlett also was arraigned Wednesday on charges of lying to police in a violent crime investigation and making a false report of a felony.
His attorney, Matt Newburg, says he’ll vigorously challenge the allegations.
Authorities say the charges stem from a Michigan State Police investigation that started when Bartlett’s wife, Kellie, accused an Eaton County deputy of sexual assault.
Kellie Bartlett at the time was a clerk with the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. She’s been charged with filing a false report and several other counts.
Potterville City Manager Aaron Sheridan said Shane Bartlett has been suspended with pay.