UPDATE – Kinder Police Chief Arrested For Theft And Malfeasance In Office Can Continue Serving

Update: The Secretary of State's Office has announced that Gary Pelican can continue serving in his role as Kinder Police Chief, despite the arrest.

State law says that unless he is proven guilty of a felony, he can continue to do his job. But if Pelican is found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

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State Police Detectives have arrested the Kinder Police Chief, 52-year-old Gary Pelican, for theft and malfeasance in office after police say he is accused of using town credit cards to fuel vehicles belonging to members of his family.

The investigation started after the Allen Parish District Attorney Todd Nesom requested an investigation.  An audit indicated that Pelican was using the credit cards for an excessive amount of fuel.

State Police detectives reviewed credit card records, conducted interview, and they viewed video surveillance before making the arrest.

State Police say Pelican charged around $7,700 worth of fuel on the town credit cards during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.  Police say while some of the fuel was for official use, much of it was pumped into cars belonging to Pelican's family members.

Pelican has been charged with:

• Theft over $1500
• Malfeasance in office

Pelican faces up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $8,000 if he is convicted on the charges.