The former police chief of a western Kansas town is facing misdemeanor charges stemming from incidents that occurred while he was on duty.

 

The Trego County Attorney, Abraham Pfannenstiel has filed two charges of battery and one count of misdemeanor mistreatment of a confined person against the former Wakeeney Police Chief Michael Romero.

 

The first of the two incidents in question occurred in January. The victim in the case alleges that while Romero was investigating him on charges of mistreatment of an animal, the police chief came to his home. When the victim opened the door, he claims Romero tasered him.

 

The second incident occurred in March, when Romero allegedly battered a suspect arrested for disorderly conduct while the victim was in the backseat of a police car. All charges against both victims were eventually dropped.

 

Romero was placed on administrative leave in March and terminated from his position as chief of police in April.