Doctor loses job at jail

A doctor for the Clark County Detention Center who was arrested last week on a drug paraphernalia charge no longer works at the jail, Las Vegas police said.

Dr. James Zinser, 55, was arrested Wednesday afternoon outside the Regional Justice Center after police found a crack pipe with warm tin foil by his foot. Police said Zinser was trying to take a picture of O.J. Simpson, who was leaving the courthouse, where he is on trial for armed robbery and kidnapping.

Police said Zinser had been contracted to work at the jail since Jan. 2, 2007.

"His credentials and his keys have been taken away from him," said Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Jose Montoya. "He is no longer working at our facility, and chances are, he will not be working at our facility anymore."

Montoya said officers noticed Zinser acting suspiciously, and as they approached him, they saw a crack pipe by his foot. Zinser was trying to conceal the pipe from police, Montoya said.

Montoya added that police do not have any evidence that Zinser was smuggling drugs to inmates or using drugs while on the job. Police did not find any drugs on Zinser when he was arrested.

Zinser was held overnight at the Las Vegas jail on the misdemeanor charge before being released.

According to the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners, Zinser was issued a state medical license on Feb. 3, 2005. His license is active. According to the board, he does not have any complaints filed against him in Nevada.

Bradley Cain, vice president of Naphcare Inc., a company based in Birmingham, Ala, confirmed that Zinser works for his business. The company provides medical personnel to jails and prisons throughout the country, Cain said.

Cain would not comment on Zinser's arrest beyond confirming that the company "is still assessing the situation."

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.