East Bay EMS chief arrested, suspected of stealing, selling drugs

MARTINEZ » A high-ranking fire official who heads a life-saving unit for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is suspected of stealing addictive drugs such as fentanyl from the workplace and selling them, authorities said Tuesday.

Police arrested 50-yearold Richard Stephenson, the district’s Chief of Emergency Medical Services, on Sunday morning on suspicion of possessing a sale quantity of fentanyl, the dangerous opiate-based drug, authorities said. The district immediately placed him on administrative leave and started an internal investigation, district spokesman Steve Hill said.

According to court records, fire officials told investigators that Stephenson’s job gave him access to pharmaceutical cabinets that contain “highly addictive” drugs, and that he had a master key to all department fire units.

Court records also state that police seized hundreds of 5-milliliter and 2-milliliter vials of fentanyl, midazolam and other bottles of prescription medicines. Midazolam is a sleeping medication.

Police also found some unused hypodermic needles, according to court records.

Police referred all questions about the case to the fire district, which said it would not comment beyond a statement that it put out Tuesday.

In the statement, Fire Chief Jeff Carman called Stephenson’s alleged crimes “an isolated incident that did not involve the public or affect services provided to the public.”

Stephenson is a 19-year veteran of the district. He was arrested after a roommate reported finding a cache of prescription drugs hidden in one of his laundry baskets, according to court records. The discovery was made after Stephenson went to a detox facility on Jan. 2.

Stephenson, a Martinez resident, has not been charged with a crime, according to court records. It is unknown if county prosecutors have reviewed the case. He was not listed in custody on Tuesday afternoon, according to records at the county jail.

Stephenson was arrested on a charge that carries a $200,000 bond.

The district did not clarify whether Stephenson will or will not be paid during his leave.

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