By Pat Culverhouse

A Minden city police officer has been arrested and is facing a disciplinary hearing based on a charge filed Wednesday.

Lt. Christopher Hammontree, a 16-year veteran of the MPD, is charged with simple criminal damage to property and is currently on administrative leave with pay, Chief of Police Jared McIver said. He reportedly was released by the District Attorney on his own recognizance.

Value of property allegedly damaged determines whether simple criminal damage to property is a misdemeanor or a felony.

Hammontree reportedly will have a disciplinary hearing on the charge before the Minden City Council. Mayor Nick Cox said a date for the hearing has not yet been set.

McIver said his department has completed a preliminary investigation and findings have been reported to the council. Final determination on disciplinary action against Hammontree will made by the city council.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.