Two more Geneva police officers placed on leave amid investigation

Two additional Geneva City Police officers have been placed on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), Police Chief Ron Eveland announced in a statement on May 9.

The names of the officers have not been released, and no criminal charges have been filed against them at this time.

Background on investigation

The broader investigation began in April after OCSO received a tip that a Geneva officer may have sold a controlled substance while on duty, in uniform, and driving a marked patrol vehicle.

On May 7, Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione announced the arrest of Michael Tapscott, 41, of Geneva, who was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance and one count of official misconduct. Authorities allege he sold one pill of dextroamphetamine – a prescription stimulant commonly known as Adderall and classified as a Schedule II controlled substance – to a man at Geneva Foreign and Sports Inc.

Tapscott resigned from the department on May 6, one day before charges were filed. He was arraigned on May 7 in Ontario County’s CAP Court and released on his own recognizance pending further court proceedings.

More officers placed on leave

In his May 9 statement, Chief Eveland confirmed that two more officers have been placed on administrative leave. The Geneva Police Department is cooperating with OCSO’s criminal investigation and has also launched its own internal administrative review of the matter.

“This is an extremely difficult time not only for our police department family but for the Geneva community and for any innocent parties involved,” Eveland said in a statement posted to Facebook. “We remain committed to providing the highest level of service and will continue working to ensure safety, security, and transparency in Geneva.”

It is currently unclear whether the two officers placed on leave are directly connected to the criminal case.

OCSO and community outreach

The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on May 9 reaffirming its commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation.

“We will continue to pursue our findings, wherever they lead,” Sheriff Cirencione said. “The integrity of the investigation is our top priority, and we appreciate the cooperation of Geneva Police Chief Ron Eveland.”

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Christopher Drake at Christopher.Drake@ontariocountyny.gov or use the “Submit a Tip” feature on the OntarioSheriffNY mobile app.

Community members with questions or concerns can also contact Chief Eveland directly at Reveland@cityofgenevany.gov or (315) 828-6782.

— Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Two more Geneva NY police officers placed on leave amid investigation