Pike County sheriff indefinitely suspended as he awaits trial

A three-judge panel ruled Tuesday that Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader will remain suspended indefinitely as he awaits trial.

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An interim sheriff will continue to fill his post.

Reader was indicted in June on 16 charges, including theft in office and evidence tampering. Reader agreed to be suspended from public office for the duration of the criminal case against him, state Auditor Keith Faber previously announced.

>> 3-judge panel to consider suspension of Pike County sheriff

The sheriff supervised the county’s investigation into the 2016 massacre of eight Rhoden family members. Eventually the Wagner family — a couple, their two adult sons and two grandmothers — were charged in connection to the homicides.

The charges against Reader are not connected to the homicide case.

Prosecutors said Reader abused his position to acquire cars, request loans from his employees and that he altered records to cover up his crimes.