State narcotics agent suspected of selling drugs

The Associated Press State & Local Wire, STATE AND REGIONAL

Contra Costa County, CA

A state narcotics agent who has overseen hundreds of drug investigations is now himself in jail on suspicion of conspiring to sell drugs stolen from an evidence locker.

Authorities say Norman Wielsch, who headed a drug task force in Contra Costa County, was arrested Wednesday along with Christopher Butler, a well-known private investigator.

The state Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement says Wielsch and Butler, both 49, were booked into Contra Costa County Jail in Martinez on a variety of suspected felony offenses, including selling marijuana, methamphetamine and steroids.

Wielsch's attorney, Michael Cardoza said Thursday his client is devastated and plans to "meet the allegations head-on."

Butler's investigation firm, Butler and Associations, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.

The two men previously worked together as police officers in Antioch.

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