A Johnston County grand jury on Monday indicted Randall William "Randy" Beasley, 43, on charges of obstructing justice and altering, destroying or stealing evidence of criminal conduct. He was arrested Wednesday.

According to the indictment, the State Bureau of Investigation thinks Beasley took the money sometime between Nov. 19 and Dec. 16, 2010.

The money was in the custody of the Benson Police Department and was related to the investigation of Jimmy Waylon Johnson Jr. and Jimmie Stanley Godwin.

"This offense was committed with secrecy and malice and with deceit and intent to defraud," the indictments stated.

After a six-month investigation, Johnson and Godwin were arrested Nov. 19, 2010, on charges of selling cocaine.

Detectives said they had made undercover drug buys from the two men at Johnson's downtown business, Benson Arcade.

The case is pending in Johnston County Superior Court.

Johnston County District Attorney Susan Doyle said she asked the SBI to investigate after hearing the accusations about Beasley.

Police Chief Kenneth Edwards contacted the DA after money went missing from a locked office, said Benson Town Manager Matt Zapp.

Both Doyle and SBI spokeswoman Noelle Talley declined to comment further.

According to Benson employment records, Beasley served as a lieutenant, detective and canine officer during his first stint with the department from 1998 to 2006.

He was hired again as a patrol officer in 2009, serving until he was put on administrative leave on Dec. 16, 2010, as the town started its internal investigation.

He resigned 12 days later.