Joey Barbry. Photo from Louisiana State Police

Joey Barbry, the chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, was arrested on Tuesday on drug charges.

According to the Louisiana State Police, Barbry, 36, was obtaining fraudulent prescription drugs from numerous doctors. He faces 21 counts in two different parishes.

Barbry was free after posting bond in one parish and was released on his own recognizance in the other, the Associated Press reported.

Barbry was elected chairman in April. He succeeded his late father, Earl Barbry, who died in July 2013 after leading the tribe for 35 years.

The tribe issued a statement after learning of the charges against the new chaimran. It wasn't immediately clear whether Barbry has been suspended or whether his position has been affected.

"Upon learning of this news, the tribal council immediately began a series of meetings to deal with issues affecting the tribe," the statement read, The Alexandria Town Talk reported. "This is a sad and difficult situation for our chairman and the Tunica-Biloxi tribal membership. We want the community to know that we are concerned for Chairman Barbry and his family. We have a responsibility to the tribal community and the people of Avoyelles Parish. We will meet around the clock if necessary to ensure that the tribe functions effectively under the guidance of this council's leadership."

Get the Story:
State police: Tunica-Biloxi official arrested (AP 11/18)
Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Joey Barbry arrested (The Avoyelles Journal 11/18)
Tunica chief accused of 'doctor shopping' for drugs (The Alexandria Town Talk 11/19)