Ex-Detective Indicted on Drug, Gun Charges

A suspended Colchester, Vermont, police officer has been indicted by a federal grand jury on gun and drug charges.

The indictment handed up Thursday in Burlington alleges that Detective Cpl. Tyler Kinney stole at least $5,000 in drug and cash evidence from the Colchester Police Department, gave a felon a firearm and distributed heroin.

The Burlington Free Press reports (http://bfpne.ws/1x9pTAi) the indictment says the theft count alleges criminal conduct by Kinney from July 2013 to last month. The drug-distribution and firearms counts pertain to actions in October and November.

Kinney, who hasn't entered a plea, resigned last Friday. He said he had been using heroin and was trying to recover from opiate addiction.

At least five drug cases linked to Kinney have been dismissed because evidence was missing or compromised.