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Contra Costa Cop Allegedly Counts Drug Money In Video

MARTINEZ (AP) -- Investigators allege that the commander of a county anti-drug task force was caught on video counting cash after selling a pound of methamphetamine stolen from evidence.

California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement agents say in a search warrant affidavit that an informant wearing a hidden camera also shot video of Norman Wielsch weighing the drugs.

The 49-year-old head of a Contra Costa County anti-narcotics team is charged with 28 felonies connected to the alleged sale of illegal drugs and prescription pills.

He is accused of working with Christopher Butler, a 49-year-old private investigator charged with the same crimes. They have not entered pleas.

Wielsch's attorney, Michael Cardoza, told the San Francisco Chronicle his client was mired in debt and was aiding the investigation. Butler's attorney did not immediately return a call.

Both men are expected to enter pleas when they return to court March 2.

(© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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