On the evening of October 24, 2023, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy Marvin Morales entered the restroom at the Central Division office on 65th Street in Sacramento. What initially seemed like a routine break turned into a shocking incident—Morales was found unresponsive after overdosing on methamphetamine laced with fentanyl. Officers on the scene, including those from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, worked quickly to administer multiple doses of Narcan, ultimately reviving him.
Deputy Morales’ overdose was not an isolated event but rather the culmination of a deeper issue. Investigations revealed that he had been secretly battling drug addiction, potentially dating back even before his time with the department. The tipping point came when he seized a glass pipe from a homeless individual in August 2023. Though official reports stated the pipe was disposed of, Morales later admitted to taking it home and using its residue on multiple occasions to stay alert while filing reports
The night of his overdose, Morales and another deputy had responded to a suspicious person call at a gas station on Stockton Boulevard. There, they encountered a man known for prior drug-related incidents. During the interaction, Morales confiscated drugs from the individual. Mere hours later, he used those very drugs inside the sheriff’s office restroom, leading to his near-fatal overdose. Fellow officers found him slumped against the wall and immediately called for medical assistance, administering several doses of Narcan to counteract the fentanyl exposure.
An internal affairs investigation followed, uncovering a disturbing pattern of drug misuse. Hair sample tests confirmed that Morales had been a chronic user, consistent with long-term substance abuse. Despite his initial claims of being depressed and using drugs as a coping mechanism, investigators dismissed these statements, asserting that his behavior indicated ongoing addiction rather than a one-time lapse in judgment.
Ultimately, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office recommended Morales be terminated for dishonesty and substance abuse. However, before his termination could be finalized, he chose to resign in early February 2024, a decision that the department accepted.
Legal Note: This case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of drug addiction, even among those sworn to uphold the law. The presence of fentanyl in illicit substances poses a severe risk to users and first responders alike. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has since reinforced policies regarding drug handling and officer well-being. Any individuals struggling with substance abuse are encouraged to seek help through official support programs and resources.
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