Former Meskwaki police chief facing criminal charges

TAMA - The former police chief of the Meskwaki Nation is facing multiple charges stemming from an alleged Dec. 5 incident.

According to court records, Christopher Knouse, 45, is charged with non-felonious misconduct while in office, a serious misdemeanor, fifth-degree theft, a simple misdemeanor, and pistol or revolver acquisition without a permit, an aggrevated misdemeanor.

Tama County Sheriff Dennis Kucera said deputies from his office helped the Meskwaki Nation Police Department serve the warrant for Krouse's arrest Jan. 12. Kucera said Knouse posted a $3,000 cash bond at the Tama County Jail the same day.

Kucera, who said Tama County has a “working relationship” with the Meskwaki Nation Police Department, said Kucera is accused of selling an unidentified number of firearms without a proper permit.

Meskwaki Nation officials were not available for comment Wednesday afternoon. According to the Meskwaki Nation Web site, Ron Pexa is serving as interim chief of police.

According to court records, a preliminary hearing for Knouse has been scheduled for Jan. 27 at the Tama County District Court.