AnnJet Switzer, 33, was arrested Thursday, Sept. 13, when an investigation by the sheriff's office SCORPION task force revealed that while working for the Nye County District Attorney's office, Switzer allegedly exchanged information for drugs.

Switzer was booked on charges of misconduct by a public officer, possession of a controlled substance, and conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substance Act.

According to District Attorney Bob Beckett, Switzer was working in the Pahrump office as a legal secretary at the time of her arrest. With about six years of service in the DA's office to her credit, she was described by Beckett as "competent and a good worker -- until this came up."

According to Nye County Sheriff Tony DeMeo, the investigation into Switzer's shady dealings began almost a year ago when the sheriff personally received information that someone was trading confidential information to known local drug traffickers in exchange for illegal drugs.

"There were rumors on the street for a while that there was a leak in the DA's office," DeMeo said. "This should not come as a surprise to the DA's office."

The sheriff said he forwarded this information to the Scorpion task force.

The sheriff's office immediately contacted the district attorney's office, which reportedly cooperated fully in all aspects of the investigation.

"We were as anxious as anybody to see a resolution to the problem," District Attorney Bob Beckett said.

Prior to being informed of Switzer's actions by the sheriff's office, Beckett said "there was no indication from her job performance that she was using drugs."

Beckett said Switzer has since been given her 10-day notice of termination (as required by the county) and is currently on administrative leave without pay.

"We immediately filled her position," Beckett said, "and our office hasn't missed a beat."

During the course of their investigation, Scorpion task force deputies soon discovered that over 60 phone calls were made or received between Switzer and a specific but un-named individual during the past month.

"Switzer was fully aware of the character and reputation of the individual," the sheriff's office reported.

The task force moved to arrest Switzer after discovering she was making arrangements for another transaction of information for drugs at her residence.

Upon observing the transaction taking place, the sheriff's office reported, undercover detectives moved in and arrested Switzer outside her Ginger Lane residence once the transaction was completed.

"She betrayed our office and put my deputies in danger," DeMeo said.

The case is being forwarded to the state attorney general's office and is still being investigated by the sheriff's office for possible co-conspirators.

"We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg," DeMeo said. "This case has not yet reached it's logical conclusion."

Beckett said the district attorney's office is currently in the process of hiring a special prosecutor from Clark County to handle the case.

Switzer was taken to the Nye County Detention where she was being held on $13,000 bail until being released on her own recognizance last Friday.