Deputy Police Chief Arrested for Trafficking in Oxycodone, Heroin and Marijuana

The deputy police chief had a prior conviction for intent to distribute cocaine but that didn't stop the Fresno, California police department from hiring him

Keith Foster

By NICK CAHILL

A deputy police chief has found himself on the wrong side of a cell after a year-long investigation ended Thursday with federal agents arresting him for an alleged conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, heroin and marijuana.

Keith Foster, 51, a 28-year veteran of the Fresno Police Department, was arrested with three other people, including his relative Denny Foster.

Surveillance by federal agents caught Foster on several occasions picking up oxycodone and delivering the drugs to Randy Flowers, 48, according to the criminal complaint.

The FBI conducted the surveillance, wiretapping and other components of the investigation jointly with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In the complaint, ATF agent Sherri Reynolds describes communication between both Fosters regarding marijuana distribution.

In December Foster asked Denny Foster if he can "pick up some units for his boy," and Denny Foster responded that he could only if Foster distributed money into his bank account, the complaint says.

Two weeks later, federal agents intercepted a phone call between the relatives clarifying that Denny Foster had shipped a half-pound of marijuana to New Mexico and that Foster deposited $1,150 into a Wells Fargo bank account.

The complaint details Denny Foster's criminal past, including a 2005 conviction in Oregon for the intent to distribute cocaine and a January arrest in Merced County for possession of marijuana for sale.

Read More