The long-delayed preliminary hearing for former Wabash County Sheriff’s Deputy Chase Cheadle has been postponed once again, with the court now setting a new date of January 8th. This marks the ninth delay in the case, with continuances dating back to November 14th of last year.
Cheadle, previously the sheriff’s department’s canine handler, was initially charged with eight offenses: four counts of official misconduct, one count of theft, one count of animal cruelty, and two counts of violating animal owner duties. Five of these charges were classified as felonies. In June, Special Prosecutor Brian Towne dismissed two felony counts—including the theft charge and one count of official misconduct.
The case revolves around the death of Kiki, the department’s K-9. Cheadle reported the dog unresponsive in July 2024. Following an investigation, Cheadle was arrested and resigned from the sheriff’s department the following month.
The preliminary hearing is now scheduled for January 8th in Wabash County Circuit Court, unless additional delays occur.