02-04-2025
Former Delaware County deputy charged with drug trafficking
JAY, Okla. – A former Delaware County K9 officer has been arrested on charges of trafficking drugs and stashing drugs, weapons, and credit cards from suspects after they were in custody.
Michael Bernheisel, 47, of Disney, is charged in Delaware County District Court with willful neglect by a state officer, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in trafficking, and embezzlement.
The former officer is accused of retaining some evidence for several cases up to 10 months, compromising the chain of custody.
Sheriff Ray Thomas noticed irregularities in Bernheisel's investigation reports, insubordination, and failure to complete assignments, and offered him another position within the sheriff's department. In December, the former deputy refused to be reassigned and resigned from the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.
The investigation shows Bernheisel worked at the sheriff's department between November 1, 2023, and December 9.
During a search of his department-issued vehicle, a 2022 Dodge Ram Pickup K9 Unit, investigators found '333 items,' including 'narcotic paraphernalia, a Springfield XD Semi-Automatic weapon, a Taurus G2C 9mm, Semi-Automatic weapon, one of which was reported stolen by the Joplin Police Department.
Other items included ammunition, cocaine, cannabis, cannabis derivatives, and over 20 grams of Methamphetamine, according to the 18-page probable cause affidavit.
Investigators also found a Lipton canister containing cannabis in the vehicle's storage compartment and baggies containing drugs under the driver's seat, as well as driver's licenses and credit cards, court records show.
Investigators also found evidence bags containing drugs, including one bag that contained over 32 grams of a 'white crystal-like substance,' a broken glass pipe, and a county-owned tablet not released to Bernheisel, court records show.
Bernheisel also allegedly turned over a set of BMW keys, including 12 on a lanyard, to the sheriff's department.
According to online records, he is free on $30,000 bail and ordered to return to court on April 21 with an attorney.
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