Utah deputy jailed for stealing drug evidence
PRICE, Utah - A former Utah sheriff's sergeant accused of taking drugs from his department's evidence room has been ordered to spend 30 days in jail.
Christopher Basso, 38, was put on leave last January from Carbon County law enforcement after failing two drug tests. Prosecutors say a hidden camera later caught him coming into the sheriff's office at odd hours and entering the evidence locker.
He later admitted to taking prescription painkillers and methamphetamine used to train police dogs.
Basso initially faced a felony burglary charge, but took a deal with prosecutors. He pleaded guilty in October to reduced charges including tampering with evidence, possession of a controlled substance and trespassing.
In addition to the jail time, Basso was also sentenced this week to three years' probation, a $700 fine, and substance abuse counseling.