JACKSON PATROLMAN ACCUSED IN DRUG CASE

JACKSON - A sixth Jackson police officer has been freed on bond after
a federal court appearance in the capital city's corruption
investigation. Ronald Youngblood, 35, is accused of accepting $300 to
provide an escort in a marked patrol car for what was described to
him as cocaine.

Youngblood waived a preliminary hearing Thursday. A federal grand
jury will hear the case in about two weeks.

Youngblood, Sgt. Fred Gaddis and Patrolman Tim Henderson are charged
with attempting to distribute and possess with intent to distribute
cocaine. If convicted of those charges, they face not less than 10
years and up to life in prison.

The FBI has said an informant who cooperated with investigators
contacted the officers, arranged for protection for what was
described as a drug shipment and later paid them. Prosecutors have
refused to identify the informant.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James Sumner released Youngblood on a $10,000
unsecured bond. The five other officers who have been charged were
required to post bond.

Patrolman Nate Thomas, Detective Joe Wade and Detective Stanley
Butler are charged with extorting or attempting to extort money. If
convicted, they could each face up to 20 years in prison.