WAGNER, S.D. (AP) - The trial for the former Wagner police chief accused of covering up his girlfriend's methamphetamine use has been moved to Mitchell.

The Daily Republic newspaper reports that a judge has signed an order moving the trial for 44-year-old Jim Chaney from Charles Mix County to Davison County.

Prosecutors say Chaney tried to cover up his girlfriend's meth use by hiding her used needles in his office. He has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to report a crime.

The trial is scheduled to begin in October. Court document say Chaney could not receive a fair trial in Charles Mix County because he arrested a "large number" of residents and played a role in several "drug-related tragedies" in the area.

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