Ex-NY Cop, D.A.R.E. Officer Pleads Guilty to Selling Drugs from Squad Car

Former Geneva police officer Michael Tapscott admitted to peddling Adderall while on duty.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A former upstate New York police officer who also served as a D.A.R.E. officer has pleaded guilty to 40 narcotics-related charges for selling Adderall, a Schedule 2 controlled substance, out of his squad car while on duty. Michael Tapscott resigned from the Geneva Police Department last year after the allegations surfaced.

Why it matters

This case highlights the breach of public trust when law enforcement officers abuse their positions of authority for personal gain, undermining the credibility of anti-drug programs like D.A.R.E. that aim to keep communities safe from the harms of substance abuse.

The details

Tapscott, a 13-year veteran of the Geneva Police Department, pleaded guilty to a range of drug charges, including criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance, as well as official misconduct. Three other officers were also indicted for their alleged involvement in Tapscott's drug dealing scheme, both on- and off-duty.

  • Tapscott resigned from the Geneva Police Department last year.
  • Tapscott pleaded guilty to the charges last month.

The players

Michael Tapscott

A former Geneva police officer who served as a D.A.R.E. officer and pleaded guilty to 40 narcotics-related charges for selling Adderall out of his squad car while on duty.

Geneva Police Department

The police department that employed Tapscott, where he served as both a regular officer and a D.A.R.E. officer.

Christine Callanan

The special prosecutor who handled Tapscott's case.

David Felice

A Geneva Police Sergeant who was allegedly involved in Tapscott's drug dealing scheme.

Nathan Jacon

A former Geneva Police Officer who was allegedly involved in Tapscott's drug dealing scheme.

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What they’re saying

“His plea deal will see him serve just 16 weekends in jail and five years probation.”

— Christine Callanan, Special Prosecutor (Rochester First)

What’s next

The other three officers allegedly involved in Tapscott's drug dealing scheme have not yet been sentenced.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures within law enforcement agencies to prevent abuse of power and maintain public trust, especially in programs meant to steer youth away from drugs.