A Mineola man who is employed as a Hempstead police officer has been charged with selling prescription painkillers.

According to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, 38-year old Brian Jones allegedly sold the opiate-based prescription drugs clonazepam, oxycodone and oxymorphone to a “confidential informant” on May 2 as part of an ongoing investigation. Jones also allegedly sold the same person oxycodone on May 13 and oxymorphone on May 26.

At the time of his arrest more than one half-ounce of oxycodone was found in Jones’s vehicle.

“(He) was a predator rather than a protector. He violated his oath and the public trust, and my office will ensure he pays the price for these very serious crimes,” Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said in a statement.

Jones is being charged with second degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, four counts of third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, fifth degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Jones has been an officer with the Hempstead Police Department since Feb. 4, 2002. He has been suspended without pay.

If convicted, Jones faces up to 10 years in prison. He will be arraigned Wednesday in First District Court in Hempstead.