Ronald P. Chelius, a Nevada Division of Investigation and Narcotics senior agent, was killed during an undercover buy on March 13, 1979, in Sacramento, California. Chelius was attempting to purchase a large quantity of mescaline from two Sacramento suspects, Jeffery I. Cook and Joseph N. Roberts, as part of an investigation into a drug ring tied to Carson City. After the purchase, Chelius identified himself and moved to make the arrest; one of the suspects then produced a two-shot pistol and shot him in the chest. Other undercover agents who were monitoring the operation quickly apprehended the suspects, who were arrested and charged with murder.

Chelius had joined the Nevada agency on December 1, 1973, after service with the Carson City Sheriff’s Department and was a working supervisor. He left a widow, Ilse, and three children, Toni, Shawn, and Jason. The case shows the risks in undercover narcotics work and prompted a full investigation. Does anyone have memories of Chelius or information about the Sacramento operation that could add detail?