Van Meter police chief fired

City officials in the central Iowa town of Van Meter say embattled Police Chief Michael Merritt has been fired for misconduct.

According to a news release, Merritt was terminated Wednesday night during a special meeting of the Van Meter City Council.

Merritt was charged with one count of felonious misconduct of office and one count of insurance fraud last month in an investigation into a salvage theft inspection program.

Investigators from the Iowa Department of Public Safety say Merritt wasn't conducting necessary stolen parts database checks and was charging an extra $10 fee for examinations. Authorities say Merritt admitted keeping the money along with other cash collected from inspections.

Merritt was Van Meter's only police officer and had served as chief for about 20 years.

-- Associated Press