Now-former Chesterfield police officer and wife appear in court for drug charges
VENN
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A now-former Chesterfield County police officer and his wife appeared in court for the first time on Friday, May 23.
Tiffany and Lewis Hagen were arrested one week earlier and are now facing drug-related charges. They are being tried together in this case.
A special judge from outside of Chesterfield County will have to come in because of conflict-of-interest concerns given Lewis’ previous job with the police department, but that judge has not yet been assigned.
After his arrest, Lewis was placed on administrative leave, but then immediately resigned.
The Chesterfield County Police Department received a tip that 40-year-old Lewis may be having illegal drugs mailed to his home.
An investigation was launched into the accusations by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Richmond District Office High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. A warrant was then issued for their home and they were arrested.
They’re both facing two charges of possession with the intent to sell, but Tiffany is facing a third charge for possession. It’s currently unclear why she has that additional charge and Lewis does not.
It’s also unclear what drugs they’re accused of having, but court documents say they’re charged with having what’s called “Schedule I or II” drugs.
Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use. For example, LSD or heroin.
Schedule II drugs are highly addictive but are accepted for medical use. For example, fentanyl or methamphetamine.
The next status hearing is slated for May 29.
“I am extremely disappointed to share this news with our community,” said Chesterfield Police Chief Frank Carpenter in a statement. “This officer’s alleged actions are unacceptable and [they] do not reflect the values we have sworn to uphold in our oath of office. At the same time, we are proud of every employee involved in this investigative process and we remain committed to openly addressing breaches of the public trust and holding ourselves accountable.”
