BALTIMORE (WMAR) — A former Maryland Police Chief has been federally charged with machine gun violations.
On Monday, the U.S. Attorney's Office of the District of Maryland announced charges against William E. Tyler, who had previously been Chief of the Taneytown Police Department in Carroll County.
Charging documents allege that between November 8, 2017 and January 15, 2019, Tyler knowingly possessed and transferred two Ruger .223 caliber, model KAC556 machine guns, which prosecutors say violates Title 18, United States Code Section 922(o).
In the meantime, Tyler will be forced to surrender the firearms to the government.
It was on January 17 when the FBI searched Tyler's office and Pennsylvania home. He was placed on administrative leave shortly after.
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On January 31, Tyler resigned as Chief. Lieutenant Jason Etzler has since taken over as acting Police Chief.
An initial appearance and arraignment has been scheduled for February 12, at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 5B before U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander.
