Original Article Fmr. Local Police Chief Pleads Guilty to Felonies Jan 13, 2006, 02:22 PM MST He was supposed be protecting the public, but now he's guilty of breaking the law. Former Columbia Township Police Chief Mark Hunter pleaded guilty to two felonies. Hunter accepted responsibility for selling police guns for his own profit. He also admitted to using a township camera to illegally videotape sexual activities. Prosecutors say this is a plea that will bring justice to the residents of Columbia Township. In the agreement, Hunter admitted to selling two high-powered AR-15 rifles. One was bought by another officer. The other was sold to an Adrian pawn shop. Hunter did not mention the sexual encounter in his office, but did acknowledge that he used a camera in that office during an inappropriate relationship. Hunter still faces other charges in Lenawee County for child pornography and possession of heroin, but this brings an end to the legal battle in Jackson County, and prosecutors say they feel good about the outcome. Henry Zavislak, Jackson County Prosecutor: "We feel good about securing a conviction on the record, and that township interests have been protected. He will never be able to be a police officer in this state." The maximum penalty is five years, but prosecutors say the statute gives the judge discretion and they plan to ask for a harsh punishment. It started with one allegation. Then Mark Hunter resigned and the new chief found even more trouble. David Elwell, Columbia Township Police Chief: "First couple of days I noticed things didn't seem right. I had a lot of questions about weapons." A month after the new chief took office, the old chief was charged with three felonies, sparking outrage in Columbia Township. Ray Kuzminski, Columbia Township Supervisor: "There are a lot of victims, a lot of people humiliated and hurt by this." For 15 years, Hunter headed the Columbia police force. He was in a position of power and trust, and yet officials say he violated those responsibilities. Leaders say hunter's wrongdoing deserves a harsh punishment, but they call the plea a step in the right direction, and now the public's frustration of the last eight months can finally start to give way to relief. One part of the plea deal calls for Hunter to work with the township on tracking down the guns and lost money. Officials says that too will help with restoring faith in the township. We should also point out we did talk with Hunter's attorney. He declined to comment for the story.