Suspended police chief out on bail

Suspended Orient police chief, Joseph L. Brown, is out on bail this morning, two days after being arrested on felony intimidation and official misconduct charges.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office said the 39-year-old Herrin man put up $6,000 cash for his release.

Brown was taken into custody by Franklin County Sheriff's deputies around early Monday afternoon in response to reports it received from both the American Legion and Elsie's Tavern in Orient, alleging Brown threatened employees and patrons with gun in hand.

Witnesses said Brown - who was reportedly intoxicated at the time - first became enraged and brandished his badge and handgun at Elsie's Tavern when refused a drink. After making threats against the life of an Elsie's Tavern family member, Brown then made his way to the American Legion where he reportedly pulled his weapon out again and threatened those inside the barroom.

On Monday, Paul Jackanicz, who said his life was threatened while Brown was at Elsie's Tavern, filed a restraining order against him in Franklin County.

Orient Mayor Pete Witkewicz suspended Brown from his duties. Witkewicz said he did receive Brown's verbal resignation, but it won't be official until he puts it in writing. If Brown fails to do so before the next city council meeting, Witkewicz said the City of Orient will have to fire him.

Brown has also been suspended from the West Frankfort Police Department where he held a part-time position. Brown had previously resigned from the department's auxiliary force.

Brown is scheduled to make his first appearance in a Franklin County courtroom 1:30 p.m. on March 3 Brown has been formally charged with two counts of intimidation, a Class 3 felony, two counts of misconduct, also a Class 3 felony, as well as one count aggravated assault on public property and one count battery, both Class A misdemeanors.