Former Police Chief Booked on Felony Disarming Charge as Case Expands

PIKE COUNTY, MO — A former police chief has been booked into the Lincoln County Jail on a felony charge alleging the disarming of a law enforcement officer, as a high-profile investigation tied to a missing person case continues to expand.

According to court records and jail information, the former Bowling Green police chief was taken into custody in Lincoln County on a felony charge of disarming a peace officer, along with multiple additional charges filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Records show the case includes two felony charges and four misdemeanor charges, including allegations of fourth-degree assault, making a false report, making a false declaration, making a false affidavit, and first-degree harassment.

The charges stem from a broader investigation connected to the disappearance and death of 23-year-old Nathaniel Mueller, a Pike County man whose case has drawn regional and statewide attention.

Official booking photograph released by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. All allegations remain unproven.

Background of the Mueller Case

Mueller was reported missing in December after his vehicle was found running and abandoned in Pike County. Authorities reported that his keys and clothing were located inside the vehicle. At the time, law enforcement stated foul play was not suspected. Family members, however, continued to publicly question the circumstances surrounding the case, describing the situation as unusual and urging further investigation.

Approximately two months later, Mueller’s body was discovered in a pond on property owned by his grandparents, located roughly one and a half miles from where his vehicle had been found. Following the discovery, the Missouri State Highway Patrol assumed control of the investigation.

Public Allegations and Escalation

As the investigation progressed, the former police chief publicly raised concerns about how the case was handled. During a news conference and subsequent media interviews earlier this year, he accused leadership within the Pike County Sheriff’s Office of mishandling the investigation and alleged potential conflicts of interest.

The Pike County Sheriff denied wrongdoing and stated confidence in the Highway Patrol’s independent investigation.

Probable Cause Allegations

According to a Missouri Highway Patrol probable cause statement, prosecutors allege that while serving as police chief in February 2025, the former chief attempted to insert himself into the Pike County Sheriff’s Office investigation into Mueller’s disappearance.

Court documents further allege that during the investigation, the former police chief made multiple unsubstantiated statements to a prosecuting attorney, including claims that a chief deputy withheld critical information and failed to fulfill official duties. Prosecutors allege those claims could not be supported by evidence.

The probable cause statement also references body camera footage that prosecutors say contradicts the former chief’s public statements, including footage allegedly showing him disarming a deputy without legal justification. That alleged incident forms the basis of the felony disarming charge.

Additional court filings allege that the former chief later authored and swore to a probable cause statement containing false information under penalty of perjury.

Prosecutors further allege that after no longer being employed in law enforcement, the former chief posted a video on a Pike County anti-corruption social media page showing himself following a vehicle he claimed was driven by the same deputy he had accused, an action prosecutors say supports the harassment charge.

Current Status

Jail records confirm the former police chief is currently in custody at the Lincoln County Jail. No court date has been publicly announced as of publication. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office has stated it cannot comment further due to pending litigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to oversee the investigation into Mueller’s death.

Legal Disclaimer

All charges and statements referenced in this article are allegations based on court records, jail information, and official documents. No individual has been convicted of the offenses described. All parties mentioned are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. This report reflects information available at the time of publication and will be updated if additional verified details are released by authorities.