Danville Officer Arrested In Task Force Probe

MARTINEZ, Calif. (AP) -- A Danville police officer is facing drug charges as authorities expand their investigation of the former head of a Northern California drug task force.

The Contra Costa Times reports that Stephen Tanabe was arrested around 9:30 p.m. Friday on suspicion of conspiracy to possess and sell controlled substances.

The arrest of the 47-year-old Tanabe comes after Norman Wielsch, the former commander of the state's now-suspended Central Contra Costa Narcotics Enforcement team, was arrested last month on drug charges.

Also facing charges the case is private investigator Christopher Butler.

Wielsch and Butler have pleaded not guilty to 28 counts alleging they sold drugs stolen from a county evidence room and drug task force seizures.

The Times says Tanabe has been placed on administrative leave. It's not known if he has retained an attorney.

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