KAHOKA POLICE CHIEF ARRESTED

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. - The Kahoka, Mo., police chief faces a charge of
possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute after
being arrested at a motel in Chillicothe, Mo., Thursday afternoon.

The charge alleges that Police Chief Steve L. Edlen possessed less
than five grams of marijuana with intent to distribute. If convicted
of the Class C felony, Edlen could face up to seven years in prison.

Edlen's arrest was the result of an undercover investigation starting
July 11 and conducted through an Internet chat room by Livingston
County Sheriff Steve Cox.

Through the process of the investigation, Edlen allegedly sent Cox
pornographic material believing Cox to be an adult female. Edlen then
reportedly made arrangements to meet Cox, with his dog, at a Chillicothe motel.

A special meeting of the Kahoka City Council was called Friday
evening to name an interim police chief, said Kahoka Mayor Herb
Butler. Assistant Police Chief Brandon Lewis was named interim chief
until further notice.

Edlen has been police chief for four to five years, Butler said. When
asked if there has been any trouble with him before, Butler said,
"We've had problems," but would not elaborate.

Edlen is being held in the Livingston County Jail on $51,000 bail.

An investigation in Kahoka being handled by Clark County Prosecuting
Attorney Scott Summers has been under way since Friday.

Summers could not be reached for comment this morning.