Deputy Is Charged in Meth Sting

A Riverside County sheriff’s deputy arrested in an internal drug-theft sting operation was charged with 12 counts of methamphetamine possession Monday.

James Reynolds, 32, was arrested in July after investigators performed a videotaped sting in which Reynolds was called to a reported crime scene and allegedly took 6 grams of methamphetamine, authorities said.

Investigators also alleged that Reynolds broke into sheriff’s lockers and took methamphetamine that had yet to be placed into evidence.

Reynolds, a seven-year deputy who was assigned to road patrol duty at the Jurupa Valley station, also faces charges of being under the influence while armed, transporting methamphetamine, attempted evidence tampering, filing a false police report, embezzlement by a public officer and solicitation to commit a felony, according to the Riverside County district attorney’s office.

Sheriff Bob Doyle said he was “devastated” by the allegations against Reynolds. “We take an oath to be a cut above, and we need to conduct our everyday life as such,” Doyle said.

Reynolds is due in Riverside County Superior Court for his arraignment Friday.

Creg Datig, the Riverside County deputy district attorney handling the prosecution, opted not to charge four other deputies, including Reynolds’ wife, who have been placed on administrative leave by Doyle for allegedly knowing about, but failing to report, Reynolds’ alleged misconduct.

Doyle said one of the deputies has resigned.