Chariton County sheriff under criminal investigation

KEYETSVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

Chariton County Sheriff Erick Billups is under a criminal investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug Crime Control.

An MSHP spokesman said Monday that the Chariton County prosecuting attorney made the request for the investigation on Saturday. The prosecuting attorney declined to comment.

MSHP did not say what, specifically, the investigation is for.

Multiple sources told ABC 17 News they saw Billups in a bar on Friday night.

A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said they later saw Billups “passed out” in a vehicle in front of the sheriff's office.

Billups has a valid peace officer’s license, commissioned by the Chariton County Sheriff’s Office, according to a Missouri Department of Public Safety spokesman. Billups is also still currently the sheriff.

Billups is not the only area sheriff who went through a criminal investigation. Former Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism was charged with a pair of misdemeanors: DWI and resisting arrest.

Chism was removed from his position as Callaway County Sheriff in June after his peace officer’s license was suspended, amid allegations of drinking and buying alcohol while on the job. Darryl Maylee was appointed interim sheriff. Thirteenth Circuit Presiding Judge Brouck Jacobs signed the order prohibiting Chism from serving as sheriff.

Check back for updates for this developing story.