CoCo Sheriff's Deputy From Pinole Arrested In Illegal Firearms Case

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A Contra Costa County sheriff's deputy was arrested this week in connection with an illegal firearms investigation.

Sheriff's detectives arrested Matthew Buckley, 41, of Pinole, Thursday. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility where his bail was set at $175,000, the Office of the Sheriff said in a news release.

As part of the investigation, a search warrant was served at a residence where evidence was seized, sheriff's Spokesperson Jimmy Lee said.

Buckley was arrested on suspicion of two counts of felony grand theft of a firearm, two counts of receiving stolen property, felony unlicensed transfer of a firearm, felony filing a false report, destroying/concealing evidence, and possession of a controlled substance.

Buckley, who was released on bond Friday, is on paid administrative leave from the sheriff's office.

"When we were first apprised of the allegations, we immediately started an investigation," Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston said. "No one is above the law and employees of the Sheriff's Office who violate the law will be held accountable. I am disappointed but this arrest is not a reflection of the many outstanding employees of the Sheriff's Office."

The investigation was ongoing, and details about the allegations that led to it were not disclosed.

The sheriff's office asked anyone with any information on this incident to contact the Investigation Division at 925-313-2600 or Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 925-646-2441. Information can also be sent via email to tips@so.cccounty.us or left as an anonymous voicemail by calling call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.