7 S.D. Firefighters May Be Indicted in City, Federal Drug Investigation
As many as seven San Diego firefighters may be indicted as a result of a local and federal drug investigation, Fire Chief John DeLotch said in a statement Friday.
The investigation, which has been going on for three months, according to police spokesman Bill Robinson, centers on the alleged use and possession of narcotics by some San Diego firefighters. He did not know whether the suspected drug use occurred on duty.
Investigators refused Friday to discuss the specific nature, number and ranks of firefighters being investigated or their station assignments.
“All we know is federal authorities are conducting an investigation into possible drug-related offenses of some of our men,” Assistant Fire Chief Don Farney said.
Ron Saathoff, president of San Diego Firefighters Local 145, had not returned phone calls late Friday.
Subpoenas were issued to an undisclosed number of firefighters, Deputy Police Chief Norm Stamper said.
“Information was developed within the Police Department and was shared with the U. S. attorney’s office and the city manager’s office, but that’s all I’m at liberty to say,” he said.
A federal grand jury, the U. S. attorney’s office, San Diego police narcotics investigators and city officials are involved in the probe.
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