Former Meskwaki police chief pleads guilty in gun sale case

A former Meskwaki police chief pleaded guilty last month to transferring firearms to another without a permit and received a deferred judgment.

Christopher Knouse, 46, made an Alford plea to non-felonious misconduct in office March 28 in Tama County District Court. He was given a deferred judgment and placed on self-supervised probation for one year. According to court records, Knouse transferred a firearm to another person without the appropriate paperwork in December 2012.

The other charges Knouse originally faced -- fifth-degree theft and pistol or revolver acquisition without a permit -- were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Knouse was also ordered to pay $315 in civil penalty and victim restitution, if required. The Tama County Attorney has 30 days to file restitution.

Mark Brown, Knouse's attorney, said another lawyer would handle an administration hearing to determine if Knouse can retain his law enforcement certification.