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WEST VALLEY CITY — A former West Valley City police officer could go to prison, if convicted of drug possession, for allegedly stealing pain pills from a man who died.
The former veteran officer for the West Valley City Police Department will face the charges in court. The first hearing will be an initial appearance.
Late Thursday, prosecutors filed charges of drug possession and theft against 34-year-old Ryan Humphrey. The possession charge is a third-degree felony. The charges stem from an investigation that began in early June.
Humphreys was on patrol when he and other officers were called to a home where a cancer patient was found dead by his family.
Related:
WVC officer resigns after allegedly taking morphine from dead man
A West Valley police officer is being investigated of accusations that he took morphine from a deceased cancer patient's home.Charging documents state a fellow officer saw Humphreys pocket a morphine pill as the two counted the dead man's pills that were on the kitchen counter top. The pills had been prescribed to the man.
He reported the incident and Humphreys was immediately placed on administrative leave. He resigned the following day.
"We are very pleased with the backup officer that he had the integrity and brought this case forward," said Cottonwood Heights Police Chief Robby Russo. "He had to be courageous."
Humphreys' attorney said Humphreys was struggling with some personal issues and was at his breaking point. She said he's not a corrupt or dirty cop.
