Topeka ? A case alleging that Dodge City’s police chief poached deer has been sent to the Kansas Attorney General’s office.

Jeff Wagaman, deputy chief of staff in the office, says a decision on whether to file charges against Robert James should be made within 30 to 45 days.

The investigation began in December when a landowner reported someone was setting up a deer stand and using a spotlight, which is illegal when hunting deer. Officers were called back the next weekend where a deer had been shot.

A wildlife officer turned over his investigation on Tuesday to Ford County Attorney Terry Malone. Citing a possible conflict of interest, Malone forwarded it to the attorney general.

The Hutchinson News reported Friday that James continues to work.