Former Scottsbluff Police Captain Brian Wasson has been sentenced to prison for up to a little over 6-1/2 years after pleading guilty last month to two counts of theft by unlawful taking for stealing drugs and money from the police department evidence room.
. District Court Judge Cindy Volkmer handed down concurrent sentences of 40 to 68 months on each of the charges and ordered Wasson to pay $7,000 in restitution to the Scottsbluff Police Department.
Both the prosecution and defense praised Wasson for “a lot of great work” for the community over the years, but differed greatly on what should happen next.
Defense Attorney Maren Chaloupka told Judge Volkmer that Wasson’s downward slide began when he injured his back chasing a suspect in 2002. He was prescribed opioids for the pain, but became addicted.
Chaloupka said Wasson’s tolerance to the drug grew over the years and he needed stronger and stronger doses for the pain – which eventually led him to start stealing drugs and cash from the Scottsbluff Police Department evidence room
She also noted that Wasson last week celebrated one year of sobriety and that he continues to be a daily participant in his own rehabilitation, including attending 12-step program meetings.
Prosecutor and Assistant Attorney General Michael Guinan told the judge that Wasson’s history of fine police work and civic involvement did not diminish the fact that his thefts affected the trust of the community and within the department.
Guinan said those impacts are going to be broad and long lasting, and that Wasson’s true legacy will be the impact of his thefts and conviction after he completes his sentence.
Wasson also addressed Judge Volkmer just before she handed down the sentence and apologized for his actions.