Deputy's Preliminary Hearing Delayed Again

For the second straight month, the preliminary hearing for former Wabash County Sheriff’s Deputy Chase Cheadle has been postponed. The latest delay stems from the continued health complications afflicting special prosecutor Brian Towne. In court yesterday, defense attorney Jonathan Turpin told Judge Denton Aud that Towne is still suffering from the same health issues that caused last month’s delay in the preliminary hearing. Yesterday, Cheadle waived his right to a prompt preliminary hearing and is now due back in court on January 23rd. Cheadle, who was the sheriff’s department’s canine handler, faces four charges of official misconduct, 1 count of Theft, 1 count of Cruelty to animals, and 2 counts of Animal owner duties. Five of the eight charges are felonies. Cheadle found Kiki unresponsive in July and was arrested following an investigation. He resigned from the sheriff’s department on August 8th.