Ex-police official sentenced in Prescott drug-theft case

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) - A former Prescott Valley police commander has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty in a drug-theft case.

Arthur Askew entered his plea Friday. He was initially charged in March with four felony counts and two misdemeanor counts.

The Prescott Daily Courier reports the charges were reduced under the plea agreement to two counts of drug paraphernalia possession and one count of possession or use of a prescription drug.

Askew resigned in January after learning he was under investigation in the thefts of surrendered prescription drugs awaiting disposal.

Video and still-camera surveillance in the department's drug vault showed Askew taking pills and placing them in a grocery bag and in his pocket.

His attorney says Askew suffered on-the-job back injuries and had become addicted to painkillers.