Special prosecutor will be assigned to former Geneva officer's case
Ontario County DA James Ritts announced that his opponent in this year's election, Ontario County Attorney Jason MacBride, exchanged texts with Tapscott. It was alleged that MacBride was seeking Tapscott and the Geneva Police Department's endorsement for DA.
The texts, according to Ritts, happened over several months before Tapscott was arrested.
Ritts said that, in light of these accusations, the DA's Office will seek a special prosecutor from outside Ontario County to ensure all defendants are brought to justice without impropriety.
'Although I am disappointed there is a need for a Special Prosecutor in this case, prosecutorial ethics require me to take this action,' Ritts said in a statement.
News 8 has reached out to the DA's Office and MacBride for further comment on this matter.
The Ontario District Attorney's Office declined to provide any further comment and directed us to the Wayne County District Attorney, who will be the special prosecutor for the case.
Tapscott, a former D.A.R.E. officer, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly selling drugs to someone at a local business in Geneva while in uniform and operating a police car. Investigators said they found evidence that Tapscott provided a form of Adderall.
Tapscott was charged with fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and official misconduct. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
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