Three current and former Geneva Police Department officers have been indicted following a months-long investigation into drug-related misconduct that began with the arrest of former officer Michael R. Tapscott in May.
According to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and Wayne County District Attorney Christine Callanan, who served as special prosecutor, an Ontario County grand jury returned indictments against Tapscott, Geneva Police Sgt. David F. Felice, and officer William B. McGowan earlier this month.
Tapscott faces 32 counts in total, including six counts each of criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, eight counts of criminal possession in the seventh degree, 11 counts of official misconduct, and one count of petit larceny. Felice was charged with tampering with physical evidence, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and official misconduct. McGowan faces one count of tampering with physical evidence.
All three were arraigned Tuesday morning in Ontario County Court before Judge Kristina Karle and released on their own recognizance pending further proceedings.
Investigators from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Division, with assistance from the Seneca and Wayne County sheriff’s offices and both county district attorneys, reviewed extensive digital and physical evidence during the probe. Officials said that forensic analysis of multiple seized phones revealed over one million text messages showing Tapscott repeatedly solicited drugs, traded prescription medication, and offered items like ammunition and sneakers in exchange for controlled substances.
Evidence also shows an instance in which Tapscott allegedly took possession of a pill bottle containing a controlled substance while responding to an emergency medical call as a police officer.
Sheriff David Cirencione said the case involved testimony from more than two dozen police and civilian witnesses and that additional charges could follow if new information emerges. “Police officers hold positions of power and authority. Our citizens need to know they can trust us and it is on us to earn that trust,” Cirencione said in a statement.
Cirencione thanked regional law enforcement for their work on the “intense and intricate” investigation. Geneva Police Chief Ron Eveland, who cooperated fully throughout the case, was also recognized for his transparency and commitment to departmental reform.
The case remains active in Ontario County Court.
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