Former Ripley County Chief Deputy Retires

The former chief deputy of the Ripley County Sheriffs Office has retired, Sheriff Tom Grills confirmed Friday.

David Pippin was charged with six counts of acquiring a controlled substance by deceit last month, after prosecutors alleged the former chief deputy filled prescriptions for Hydrocodone pills from five separate doctors in a two year period.

He was first placed on administrative leave, but retired on Jan. 3. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 15.