Ex-deputy cited in drug deal

A former Sarpy County Sheriff's deputy was ticketed Monday for allegedly collecting a debt for a friend in a "drug deal gone bad," authorities said.

Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis said Timothy L. Otte, 39, was a sheriff's deputy at the time of the incident in December 2008. Otte was on road patrol, in a marked cruiser and in uniform, when he allegedly went to an apartment in Ralston in an attempt to collect $1,200 for a friend, Davis said.

The Nebraska State Patrol, which took over the investigation because of conflict of interest, cited Otte for oppression under color of office and obstructing governmental operations.

Neither Otte nor his attorney Mike Fitzpatrick could be reached for comment this morning.

Davis said Otte told him that he received a cell phone call from a friend who said he had been ripped off for $1,200. Otte's friend went to an apartment in Ralston and kicked in the door looking for the person he said took the money. That person wasn't at the apartment, and a frightened family member called police.

Otte told Davis he decided to drive to the apartment to stop any violence, but police officers overheard Otte talking to a family member about getting the money back. Otte even set up a meeting time near 84th and Harrison Streets to get the money, which he later did while on duty, Davis said.

Otte told Davis that the money was for a car, but Davis said, "We believe he knew it was a drug deal."

Otte is scheduled to appear in Douglas County Court in January.

Davis said Otte had been employed with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office from January 2005 until he resigned in January 2009.

Davis said he believes Otte resigned because he knew he was being investigated.

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