Isleton Councilmember Accused Of Selling Drugs

ISLETON (CBS13) - Several tips came forward to police with credible information. But, as soon as the investigation began, it ended when the Isleton Police Department was shut down.

"It's a lawless town. Nobody wants to say anything because they're afraid that they'll be hurt," said the anonymous source.

They're so afraid the source has asked CBS13 keep their identity hidden, but not too afraid to speak out about the alleged secret life Isleton City Councilmember Elizabeth Samano may be leading.

"Notorious characters coming and going from Samano's building," the source said.

CBS13 has learned that people who live in the small town told police Samano sold drugs in her home. Sources say known drug dealers would visit her.

"With the characters coming in and out of there, it could be anything. It could be heroin, it could be methamphetamine, it could be cocaine, it could be marijuana," said the source.

Samano to an interview with CBS13 but denied the allegations when asked.

"Yeah that's not true, that's not true at all," said Samano.

Samano told CBS13 she believes the motive behind the accusations is political, because she went against what everyone else wanted, keeping the last city manager.

"I've had those threats that 'I'm going to take you down,' stuff like that," said Samano.

But CBS13 was told that it wasn't just the tips, but the sources that made the police chief take the allegations seriously.

"I know for a fact that the last interim chief, Steve Adams, was looking at this councilmember for this activity," said the anonymous source.

Chief Steven Adams would only confirm he began an investigation and planned to hand it over to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department when the city suddenly put him on paid leave.

"I'm certain that if somebody had proof and police had proof that I wouldn't be standing here," said Samano.

Samano is not under arrest and she's also not under investigation because there is no police department.

On Wednesday, the city council, including Samano, met behind closed doors to vote on whether to fire Adams or keep him on paid leave.