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Ronald R. Jones, 48, an administrative sergeant and a 26-year veteran of the department, was taken into custody this morning by agents from the California Department of Justice's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.
He was arrested on charges of fraud, deceit and misrepresentation to obtain a controlled substance, according to Alameda police.
In January, following the death of a terminally ill Alameda resident, Jones allegedly told the resident's family that Alameda police offered a disposal service for unwanted prescription medications, according to police.
The department does not provide such a service, police said today.
According to the internal police investigation, Jones removed the medications from the home without following proper procedures for evidence collection or disposal. There is no record of the medications being placed into evidence for destruction, police said.
Special Agent Michelle Gregory with the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement said the case could be part of a pattern by Jones.
"There are some other cases similar to this," Gregory said. "This wasn't the first one where (Jones) went to the home of a deceased person."
Gregory said she does not yet know how many other such incidents Jones might have been involved in. Police said there is no indication any other members of the Police Department participated.
The investigation is being led by Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement to guarantee transparency, police said.
Alameda police Lt. Bill Scott said that he was unable to discuss the department's internal investigation.
Jones has been placed on paid administrative leave.
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