By Dewayne Holloway
Montgomery County News
Mount Ida – A former Pike County Deputy who is currently facing two counts of theft of property, has vacated the Montgomery County Constable position he has held since 2023. Vines had just started his second term as constable.
According to a resolution submitted to the Montgomery County Quorum Court Monday, February 10, 2025, The Constable South District Position has been vacated. The resolution states that Brandon Vines has submitted his resignation from the position of Constable South District for personal reasons.
The Montgomery County Quorum Court approved Resolution 2025-06 officially vacating the position of Constable South District during their February meeting held Monday, February 10, in Mount Ida. County Judge Bart Williams stated that they plan to leave the position vacant until the next election.
Vines was arraigned last Monday, February 3, 2025, in Pike County Circuit Court for two counts of theft of property, a class D felony. According to an affidavit filed with the Pike County Circuit Clerk’s Office, Special Agent Ernesto Echevarria investigated the alleged theft of two firearms issued to Vines while working for the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the affidavit, Vines worked for the Pike County Sheriff’s Office from May 21, 2024 to December 30, 2024. No reason was listed as to why he was terminated.
Upon his employment he was assigned a Mossberg Model 590, 12 gauge shotgun and a Colt M-16 AR rifle. After his termination the affidavit alleges Vines returned part of his assigned equipment but did not turn in the firearms.
On January 2, 2025, Glenwood Police Department Chief Greg Harmon noticed a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun for sale. The affidavit alleges Harmon recognized the gun as Pike County property. He notified Chief Epperly at the Pike County Sheriff’s Office of this and confirmed the weapon was the won allegedly assigned to Vines.
The Colt M16 was allegedly located in the possession of a Glenwood resident who alleges he was given the firearm as collateral for money he loaned Vines. Both guns were returned to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
The affidavit alleges that during an interview with ASP Special Agent Echevarria Vines admitted to pawning his county issued shotgun and using the M16 for collateral for a loan.
Vines was arrested and charged with two counts of theft of property, a class D felony. He was arraigned February 3, 2025 on both charges.
A pretrial hearing was set for March 3, 2025. He was released February 4, 2025 on a $10,000 bond.
All charges listed are simply allegations and all persons listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
