POLICE IDENTITY LAWSUIT DROPPED

A company accused of revealing the identities of city undercover
narcotics agents to drug dealers is no longer operating, ending a
police lawsuit against the company. Sgt. Robert Hahn, a former
undercover narcotics agent, said the lawsuit against Drug Management
Information Inc. and its manager, Carla Pettus, is no longer
necessary because the company is out of business. Hahn filed the
lawsuit in January on behalf of his fellow officers.

A news conference regarding the status of the lawsuit has been
scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at the offices of the agents' attorney,
Berger and Berger at 313 Main St. in Evansville.

Charles Berger, who is representing the officers, refused to confirm
the details of Monday's news conference. He did, however, acknowledge
there has been a major development in the officers' case.

"There were disclosures made by Carla Pettus; I'll be at liberty to
discuss that Monday," he said.

"There's a significant event in the case that will be discussed (at
the news conference)."

The lawsuit against Drug Management Information was filed after a
roster containing personal information was allegedly found in the home
of Kent Laughbaum, who was arrested on drug charges after a search.

Drug Management Information once provided urine testing for narcotics
officers.

Suspicion fell on Drug Management Information when it was discovered
that Pettus owned the home that Laughbaum was renting, prompting the
lawsuit.

"The department and we, as narcotics officers, go to great lengths to
protect ourselves, the people we work with and our families," Sgt.
Mike Lauderdale said at the time the lawsuit was filed. "Any perceived
threat or violation, we take very seriously."

Things have changed since then, Hahn said. Drug Management Information
has gone out of business, making the lawsuit unnecessary, said Hahn.

"We accomplished what we set out to do - she's out of business, and
this won't happen anymore," Hahn said.

"It's dead in the water; I think (Berger's) going to drop it Monday,"
Hahn added. "As far as we're concerned, it's over."