ATF investigates multiple law enforcement agencies

Written by
C. Johnson


SACRAMENTO, CA - Officers with several local police agencies are under investigation in connection with illegal assault weapon purchases and ammunition sales to make a buck, according to sources.

Helen Dunkel, spokeswoman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said her agency served search warrants Thursday.

Roseville police confirmed one of their officers has been placed on paid administrative leave in connection with the investigation.

In addition, sources say, the probe involves "some" Sacramento County sheriff's deputies assigned to the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center in Elk Grove. Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones said there have been no arrests.

Jones said in a statement the deputies who are being investigated have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

"I have been aware and kept fully apprised of this investigation since its inception, and sheriff's detectives from the ATF's 'Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force' have participated in the investigation," Jones said.

"Because this is an ongoing federal investigation," Jones added, "ATF has asked that I not comment publicly about the nature of the investigation, charges, or potential outcomes. Further, since these are personnel matters, I will not be able to disclose as much information as I would like to.

Also, least one Sacramento Police Department officer is being investigated and a California Highway Patrol officer is involved, according to sources.

Earlier Friday, Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Andrew Pettit said he could not comment.

CHP representative Fran Clader said the CHP officer is considered a witness in the investigation and is not under investigation. Clader said the officer worked in the Sacramento region.

Lauren Horwood, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California, said all documents related to the investigation remain sealed.

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