A deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was arrested on Jan. 16 for trafficking drugs.
“Deputy Collins sold his badge to assist an individual he thought was a drug trafficker,” said U.S. Attorney Nicola T. Hanna, via the press release. “The deputy allegedly used his status as a law enforcement officer as a guarantee when he promised safe travels for large quantities of illegal narcotics.”
The arrest came in the midst of a federal investigation initiated against Collins for “an alleged scheme to accept cash payments in exchange for providing security for illegal marijuana grow facilities, as well as assisting in the distribution of controlled substances,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Collins told agents he worked with a team that includes police officers.
Besides police work and drug trafficking, Collins also did work in the field of self-help and motivational speaking. On his Facebook page he most recently advertised a women’s event in February where he was scheduled as the sole male speaker. The page also shows him as manager for self-help organization Clarity Through Education.
Collins’ Facebook page is also filled with videos of himself offering relationship and life advice. The comments on his posts are now filled with people referencing his recent arrest. Collins and the defendants could face up to life in prison if convicted.