El Dorado deputy arrested on drug charges

An El Dorado County sheriff’s deputy assigned to the local drug task force was arrested Tuesday on drug charges.

Douglas County sheriff’s deputies were called to the home of Mark Zlendick in Gardnerville on May 19 because of an alleged domestic dispute.

Mark Zlendick

Investigators said they found narcotics and paraphernalia at the house on Centerville Lane.

Zlendick, 47, was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance, trafficking methamphetamine, conspiracy, and possession of paraphernalia.

He posted the $55,640 bail.

Zlendick has been with El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department since 2004. He was a member of the South Lake El Dorado Narcotics Enforcement Team when arrested. El Dorado has placed him on paid administrative leave.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report