LA MARQUE OFFICER ARRESTED

LA MARQUE -- A police officer was arrested Tuesday on charges that he
exchanged drugs for sex.

Officer Scott Michael Payne, 31, was charged with official oppression and
delivery of a controlled substance.

Payne was released from the county jail after posting a $10,000 bond.

Payne could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Police Chief Ed Goad also
was not available for comment Tuesday afternoon. The police department did
not release any information on potential disciplinary action.

Investigators received a tip from a woman confidant that prompted the
investigation, said Freddie Poor, chief sheriff's deputy.

"This is a spontaneous thing that occurred," Poor said. "It came up very
quickly."

The situation started at a parking lot in the 1800 block of Magnolia Street
shortly after midnight, Poor said.

Payne was on duty, working the night watch, a shift that runs from 10 p.m.
to 6 a.m., when he was arrested at the police station, Poor said.

Officers seized what they believe was crack cocaine, Poor said.

Payne posted bond and was released from the county jail at 3:48 a.m., Poor
said.

Authorities are investigating where the crack was originally obtained.

To make the arrest, agents with the county's Narcotics Task Force, combined
forces with the La Marque Police Department, the Dickinson Police
Department's criminal investigation division, and the Sheriff's Office, a
Task Force report indicates.