Ex-New York D.A.R.E. Officer Confesses to Distributing Drugs While on Duty in Patrol Vehicle

A former New York state police officer, who once served as an instructor for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, has confessed to selling drugs while on duty.

Michael Tapscott entered a guilty plea to 40 drug-related charges in Ontario County Court, according to a report by Rochester First.

Tapscott resigned from the Geneva Police Department last year after allegations surfaced that he sold Adderall, a Schedule 2 controlled substance, to an individual at a used car dealership. The transaction allegedly took place while he was on duty and inside his police vehicle.

With 13 years on the police force, Tapscott had also been involved with D.A.R.E., an initiative dedicated to educating young people about staying drug-free.

Tapscott, a 13-year veteran of the police force, also served as an instructor with D.A.R.E., known for its mission to keep kids off drugs.

Four other former officers were charged in connection with Tapscott. 

An investigation into Tapscott began in April 2025 when Ontario County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that a uniformed officer sold drugs while driving a marked patrol vehicle, the Syracuse.com reported. 

A police officer patrols the street with his handcuffs and service weapon visible.  ( Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

Ontario Sheriff David Cirencione said a joint investigation with other law enforcement agencies found Tapscott solicited his fellow officers and civilians to buy and sell drugs, while on and off duty.

Tapscott’s plea came after new charges were filed, including three counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, and two counts of official misconduct.

Three others have been indicted in connection with Tapscott, including Geneva Police Sgt. David Felice, former Geneva Police Officer Nathan Jacon, and William McGowan, Syracuse.com reported. 

Adderall pills (Jb Reed/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

As part of the plea agreement, the former officer will serve 16 weekends in jail followed by five years’ probation.  

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