FRANKLIN COUNTY — A police chief in Franklin County has been arrested on charges of intimidation and official misconduct in two separate incidents.

Orient Police Chief Joseph Brown (Franklin County Sheriff's Office)
Orient Police Chief Joseph Brown
(Franklin County Sheriff’s Office)

Orient police chief, 39-year-old Joseph “Joe” L. Brown, of Herrin, was arrested and tentatively charged with intimidation and official misconduct after two separate incidents reported at the American Legion Post and Elsie’s Tavern in Orient on Saturday night.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones, deputies responded at 10:22 p.m., Saturday, to a complaint at Phillip Whiteside American Legion Post 1961 and were told by club employees and patrons that Brown, who had already left the area, came to the club intoxicated, made threats and had a handgun.

Jones said deputies later talked to employees of nearby Elsie’s Tavern who said that Brown did the same thing there just before going to the Legion Post.

Brown was arrested without incident at 1:20 p.m. on Monday at the sheriff’s office.
Jones said the investigation is ongoing and while no further arrests are anticipated, other charges are possible, pending the completion of the investigation and review by the Franklin County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Brown remained in the Franklin County Jail Monday awaiting formal charges and the setting of bail.

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