Ex-Dayton deputy charged with drug possession

DAYTON - A former Lyon County drug task force deputy has been charged with possession of a controlled substance and destroying evidence.

Richard Wise, 34, of Stagecoach, appeared in Dayton Justice Court on Wednesday for an arraignment on the charges stemming from an incident in April in which methamphetamine disappeared from the Narcotics Unit office in Silver Springs where Wise was assigned.

According to an affidavit for a search warrant filed in Carson City District Court, an evidence envelope containing five baggies of methamphetamine disappeared from a desk in the unit on April 21. About six days later, Wise allegedly found the envelope in the evidence file cabinet that had been searched numerous times by other officers. The envelope appeared to have been resealed and four of the baggies contained rock salt, according to the court document.

Wise allegedly didn't show up for work, or appeared late in the days between the discovery of the envelope in the cabinet, the affidavit states.

A co-worker told investigators Wise said he would take the blame for the missing evidence, then later told investigators he wasn't serious.

Capt. Jeff Page said Wise was terminated from the department.

Wise was arrested and released during Wednesday's court appearance.

A preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for trial is set for Jan. 6.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.