MACHIAS, Maine (AP) – A former Maine police chief has admitted he stole more than $33,200 from an Indian tribe to feed a gambling habit.

Former Pleasant Point Police Chief Joseph Barnes pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges he took the money from Passamaquoddy Tribal accounts between April 2007 and May 2008.

Prosecutors say the 42-year-old Barnes used the money to feed a gambling habit at casinos in both Connecticut and Louisiana.

Assistant Attorney General Leanne Robbin says Barnes refused to answer questions after an official discovered that thousands of dollars were being deposited in an account used to pay for a vending machine in the police station.

Barnes resigned in May 2009 after being confronted about the thefts.

The Bangor Daily News says the state is going to ask for a one-year jail sentence.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com