Overview
- The Barrackville Police Department posted that the town council and Mayor Tom Straight have relieved every officer of duty and the department’s clerk has resigned, leaving no local police staff.
- A former sergeant, identified as Sgt. Hunt, told local media he found the evidence room had been broken into and said a council member admitted taking a set of police keys, claims that have not been independently confirmed.
- Chief Zachary Freeburn resigned earlier in the week after reported clashes with the council over control of the department, a dispute officials say preceded the recent removals.
- Marion County Sheriff Roger Cunningham said his deputies will continue to respond to calls in Barrackville while the town lacks a municipal force, creating an immediate shift in who patrols and answers emergencies.
- The situation raises questions about the security of evidence chains, protections for officers who report wrongdoing, and how a small town of about 1,300 residents will restore local control and public trust.