The Kansas Supreme Court has ordered a new trial for a former police chief convicted of 15 counts of sexually molesting three girls.

Forty-two-year-old Michael Akins Jr. was convicted in 2011 and sentenced to two life terms. He was police chief in the central Kansas town of Inman when he was charged.

The Supreme Court reversed the convictions Friday, citing misconduct by the assistant attorney general who tried the case in McPherson County. The high court said the assistant attorney general improperly stated comments and opinions that the jury could have construed as evidence.

Defense lawyer Dan Monnat told KWCH-TV he expects to seek Akins’ release on bond pending the new trial. Akins has been held at an out-of-state prison because he is a law enforcement officer.