An Arkansas sheriff is reportedly facing federal charges of obstruction of justice related to an FBI investigation into a narcotics ring. After being arrested on Thursday, other sordid details about the sheriff’s history emerged that could affect not only the case against him but his political future as a local government official.

Hot Springs County Sheriff Scott Finkbeiner was taken into custody by the FBI and is looking at charges stemming from events that took place in August related to federal surveillance of an alleged drug house in Finkbeiner’s county.

According to Ford’s reading of the affidavit, the Group 6 narcotics drug task force working with the Malvern Police Department found out in May Finkbeiner would be coming to an alleged drug house.

Shortly afterward, per the affidavit, an FBI agent made a controlled drug purchase at that house. After the purchase, the FBI put up a surveillance camera on public property outside the house.

Agents claimed one of the early images captured on the camera was the alleged dealer looking into the direction of the camera, then Finkbeiner pulling up and pointing out the camera.

Following that, Finkbeiner was recorded repeatedly reaching out to the FBI to get information about the camera. The affidavit claimed that when he found out it was part of a drug investigation, Finkbeiner told agents there was no notable drug dealing on that street.

Instead, agents claimed Finkbeiner told them he had a confidential informant on that street and that their investigation was interfering with his own investigation. The sheriff reportedly told agents that the informant was not listed anywhere since he was not used for controlled drug buys.

The agents said Finkbeiner then told them that he would tell his informant not to speak with FBI investigators.

Finkbeiner was released on bond the day after his arrest. Federal prosecutor Bryan Achorn argued against his release, pointing out that he would still have access to law enforcement communications and records. He also highlighted other allegations that had been made against the sheriff, including drug use, coercing a woman into drug use and sexual acts while in uniform, and attempting to intimidate an elected official.

Details showed that Finkbeiner was caught on audio recordings smoking a meth pipe and propositioning someone for sex. His cell phone was also traced to be in the area multiple time for illegal activity "including the use of illegal drugs, solicitation of sex and sale of methamphetamine."

Phone records show that he and his unnamed informant exchanged 130 phone calls between Jan. 1 and Oct. 2 of this year.

The case will be brought before a grand jury to determine if additional charges will be filed against the sheriff.

Earlier this year, RedState reported on another incident involving the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s office and false allegations of animal abuse against a resident named Jose Barragan Gudino. Deputy sheriffs showed up at the resident’s home and confiscated his animals, including dogs and chickens, accusing him of violating Arkansas laws against “unlawful animal fighting.” The sheriff’s office has not produced any evidence providing Gudino engaged in any animal fighting activity, yet law enforcement is still trying to pressure him into accepting a plea deal.

This particular episode raises a slew of questions. For starters, if it is true that Finkbeiner was on camera doing drugs, does the FBI suspect that the dealer they were surveilling was the individual who supplied the sheriff with narcotics?

Another important issue is how the allegations might impact trust in other investigations conducted while Finkbeiner has been running the sheriff’s department. If the accusations are proven, it could cast doubt on other questionable cases the department has been involved with.

Lastly, this story could also place other members of the Hot Spring County Sheriff's Department under scrutiny. If Finkbeiner was engaged in these activities, is it possible that at least some of the deputies serving under him might also be corrupt? This could have even wider-reaching ramifications for law enforcement in the area.

If convicted, Finkbeiner could face up to 20 years in prison. RedState will keep you updated on this story as more details emerge.