Estherville IA, (Northwest Iowa Now) — A former Armstrong police chief, who is one of the city officials accused of illegal activity was sentenced on Tuesday. 47-year-old Craig Merrill was sentenced to deferred judgement. Before his trial began, Merrill entered into an Alford plea on two accounts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Merrill’s request for a deferred judgment was accepted by judge Jeffrey Neary. Merrill is to be placed for up to two years on probation under the discretion of the Department of Corrections.