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Mountain City TN Police Lieutenant Arrested On Federal Drug Charges

Last Updated on November 7, 2017 6:44 pm

A Lieutenant with the Mountain City, TN Police Department was arrested on Monday on Federal drug charges.

Lt. Ronald Shupe, 44, was booked into the Washington County Detention Center in Jonesborough around 10:30 p.m. Monday, according to The Tomahawk newspaper. He was in uniform, driving his patrol car andĀ armed with a department issued Glock pistol and ammunition at the time of arrest, the report goes on to say.

Shupe is accused of providing oxycodone and methamphetamine to a witness who is currently an inmate in the Ashe County jail. The witness has told authorities that Shupe provided drugs on numerous occasions, including while he was on duty. WCYB-TV reports the witness also gave theĀ officer an intravenous injections of meth while in his patrol car.

Ā  Ā Ā Shupe is charged with possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone and possession of a firearm that had been shipped and transported by interstate commerce, The Tomahawk also reports. He was arrested by Federal agents after purchasing oxycodone pills from another witness, that was wearing a wire, on Monday night.

The Johnson City Press newspaper reports the investigation started in June. Federal agents were able to obtain multiple text messages and Facebook Messenger conversations between the witness and Shupe setting up the transactions.

Another officer is being investigated for possible charges, both media outlets report. Both Shupe and the other unnamed officer are onĀ administrative leave without pay.

 

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