Former Upstate NY Cop and D.A.R.E. Officer Admits to Selling Drugs on Duty

Michael Tapscott pleaded guilty to 40 drug-related charges and will serve 16 weekends in jail.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former police officer in Geneva, New York has admitted to selling drugs while on duty, including while operating a police car. Michael Tapscott, a 13-year veteran of the Geneva Police Department and former D.A.R.E. instructor, pleaded guilty to 40 drug-related charges as part of a plea deal.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious breach of public trust when a law enforcement officer abuses their position to engage in criminal activity. It raises concerns about the integrity of the Geneva Police Department and the D.A.R.E. program, which aims to keep kids off drugs.

The details

Tapscott was caught selling dextroamp-amphetamine, a generic form of Adderall, to someone at a used car dealership while on duty and in a police vehicle. The investigation began in April 2025 after a tip was received about a uniformed officer selling controlled substances. Authorities found that Tapscott had solicited both members of the public and fellow Geneva police officers to buy and sell drugs on and off duty.

  • In April 2025, the Ontario County Sheriff's Office received a tip about a uniformed officer selling controlled substances.
  • In May 2026, Tapscott resigned from the Geneva Police Department a day before being charged.
  • In October 2026, the joint investigation by Ontario, Seneca, and Wayne county sheriff's offices concluded that Tapscott had been selling drugs.

The players

Michael Tapscott

A former 13-year veteran of the Geneva Police Department and D.A.R.E. officer who pleaded guilty to 40 drug-related charges for selling drugs while on duty.

David Felice

A Geneva Police Sergeant who was indicted in connection with Tapscott's drug dealing and was on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Nathan Jacon

A former Geneva Police Officer who was indicted in connection with Tapscott's drug dealing and resigned in August.

William McGowan

One of three others indicted in connection with Tapscott's drug dealing case.

David Cirencione

The Ontario County Sheriff who said the joint investigation found Tapscott had solicited members of the public and fellow officers to buy and sell drugs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I hope the community of Geneva and the Geneva Police Department can move forward following this plea.”

— Christine Callanan, Wayne County District Attorney (WHAM)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tapscott's sentence, which includes 16 weekends in jail and 5 years of probation under the plea deal.

The takeaway

This case raises serious concerns about the integrity of the Geneva Police Department and the D.A.R.E. program, highlighting the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to prevent law enforcement officers from abusing their positions for criminal activities.