Kenmore’s police chief has been arrested on a federal drug charge.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirms Chief Peter Breitnauer was arrested Friday at Kenmore Police Headquarters for possession of hydrocodone.

Prosecutors say Breitnauer was taking prescription pills from the state medication drop box at the police station.

When asked about the drugs, Breitnauer admitted to taking them and that he is addicted to hydrocodone. He then showed FBI agents a closet in his office where more than 100 pills were stored.

“It’s a sad day,” said U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy. “Chief Breitnauer has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a respect member of Western New York’s law enforcement community. Today’s events certain do not erase all the good that the chief has done during his tenure. Rather, they highlight the devastating and destructive power of opioids and underscore the fact that anyone can become ensnared in their allure.”  

Kennedy added that there’s no evidence the drugs were distributed for anything other than personal use.

If convicted, Breitnauer faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.