Deputy arrested on drug charges

CLARK COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) - A Clark County Deputy was arrested over the weekend after an undercover investigation.

According to Sheriff Gene Kelly, 37 year-old Amanda Nichols, was the subject of a 2-month long investigation. He said it started in June when his office received a tip that one of his deputies was illegally purchasing and using prescription pills.

With the help of several outside police agencies an undercover sting was set-up.

"Our deputy did make a phone call and request to purchase prescription medications that were not prescribed to her," said Sheriff Kelly.

He said Nichols drove to a home in Springfield and paid a confidential informant $120 dollars for 60 Vicodin pills.

Immediately after leaving the home, Nichols was stopped by an uniformed patrol crew.

2 NEWS obtained a copy of the cruiser cam video which recorded the stop.

"Well, I just lost my job," Nichols said as she sat handcuffed in the backseat of the cruiser.

The sheriff said Nichols will not face any disciplinary action until after the legal proceedings are finished. She is currently on administrative leave.

Nichols is out of jail on bond, but scheduled to be back in court August 29 for another hearing. If found guilty, she faces up to 18 months behind bars.

Nichols has been with the Clark County Sheriff's office for 5 years. She was assigned to the jail division. Sheriff Kelly said before coming to Clark County, Nichols worked for Tremont City Police and served in the United States Navy.