An autopsy performed on Kirkersville, Ohio police chief James Hughes Jr. revealed that the chief died of an accidental drug overdose from fentanyl, which he allegedly obtained from the police's evidence room, the Newark Advocate reported.
Hughes died on May 25 after he was found unresponsive in his bathroom.
An investigation conducted by police in nearby Reynoldsburg, Ohio alleged that Hughes took the drugs from the police evidence room as part of evidence involving other cases.
The autopsy was performed by the Franklin County Coroner's Office in Columbus.
Hughes was named chief of police on March 13, despite a checkered record, according to the Advocate. The Advocate reported that Hughes was found guilty of disorderly conduct in 2013 when Hughes allegedly yelled racial slurs at fast food employees.
Investigators in Reynoldsburg said that from this point, the Ohio Attorney's General Office should handle the investigation.