An Emery County part-time employee was arrested at the administration building on March 8, and has been charged with selling prescription painkillers.
Cardell Ezra Sackett, 55, made his first appearance in Emery County Seventh District court on Tuesday, and has been charged with four first-degree felonies, four second-degree felonies, and one third-degree felony, all associated with distribution of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Sackett recently moved from temporary employee of the county to part-time office manager and secretary for the Office of Economic Development.
A confidential citizen notified the Emery County Sheriff’s Office in October that Sackett had been selling prescription medications. The citizen became an informant for the Sheriff’s Office, making a series of “controlled buys.”
“When we were made aware of this activity, we named an informant who purchased the prescriptions from Sackett,” said Emery County Sheriff’s Detective Garrett Conover. “Although we were notified in October, it has taken three months to continue the investigation and make the arrest.”
Conover said they made a series of four controlled buys from Sackett in that time period, purchasing 30-40 pills worth $500-$600.
When asked about Sackett’s previous involvement, Conover said they have no record.
“We have never had any issues with him, and he gave us no trouble during the arrest,” he said. “He has given a full confession and is very apologetic.”
Sackett is currently incarcerated in the Emery County Jail. His bail has been set at $135,000.
“I don’t know why he did it, he only said he was helping a friend. I recommend that all citizens realize that it is illegal to buy, sell, or distribute medications, even when they are prescribed to you,” Conover said.
Sackett is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on March 19.
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