Former police officer arrested for drugs, stolen property


LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A former police officer has been arrested on charges relating to drugs and stolen property.
Richard Edward Erickson, 60, of Lakeport was arrested at 9 a.m. Friday, according to Lake County Jail records.
He was arrested on four felony counts – manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale, planting or cultivating marijuana or hashish and receiving stolen property, based on his booking sheet.
Erickson's bail was set at $150,000.
Sheriff's officials on Friday were not prepared to release additional details relating to Erickson's arrest.
Erickson served as an officer with the Lakeport Police officer until he was terminated in 2006, the same year that he was charged with felony misappropriation of government funds and embezzlement of government funds or property for using things like his patrol car and other department equipment for personal use, including an affair with an 18-year old woman.
He also was charged with stalking and making terrorist threats against the woman, with misdemeanor charges of violating a restraining order and domestic battery also lodged in 2006.
He was acquitted by a jury in May 2007, according to court records.

Erickson's booking sheet indicated he's due to appear in court on Tuesday, July 23.