STATE OFFICIAL RESIGNS AFTER ARREST

The state Corrections Department's project administrator has resigned
his $63,204-a-year post amid charges that Bethany police found cocaine
and a crack pipe in his car.

Cliff Sandel, 51, a 25-year employee of the state's second-largest
agency, was arrested Jan. 22 after police stopped him for having an
expired license plate on his car, authorities said.

Sandel resigned Feb. 9, six days after he was charged in Oklahoma
County District Court with possession of a controlled dangerous
substance and drug paraphernalia.

Sandel, of Oklahoma City, served as a deputy corrections department
director until three years ago. Director James Saffle reduced Sandel's
responsibilities in a January 1997 administrative shake-up.