POLICE TECHNICIAN GETS PRISON FOR STEALING DRUG MONEY

A former West Des Moines police technician was sentenced Tuesday to
10 years in prison for stealing $37,000 in forfeited drug money over
the four years he worked in the evidence room.

Charles Edward Graham, 43, pleaded guilty of first-degree theft in
January after three months of questions about the integrity of the
city's police investigations.

Court records show Graham, of Cumming, was arrested after two
Crimestoppers telephone tips that alleged an "alcohol, drugs and
gambling addiction."

Documents show Graham has denied that he stole drugs from police
custody. He has acknowledged a gambling problem, however, and has
borrowed money to repay the $37,000 in cash he says he took from the
department.

The money was taken in increments of between $300 and $2,900, amounts
Graham viewed as loans to fuel his gambling addiction, according to his lawyer.

"I've made a lot of mistakes over the past year," Graham said in
court Tuesday. "I've hurt a lot of people who have meant a lot to me.
. . . I've tried to address the causes of my actions."

Prosecutor Steve Foritano requested prison time for Graham.

"As a result of his conduct, the integrity of the system was
affected," Foritano said. "Because of that, the state believes Mr.
Graham should be incarcerated."

Judge Robert Hutchison agreed that the incident was "a terrible blow"
to law enforcement and sentenced Graham to 10 years. Hutchison added,
however, that "in all likelihood, you'll not serve all this time."

Defense attorney Trevor Hook said he intends to ask Hutchison to
review the sentence in 60 days. At that time, Hutchison could be
asked to release Graham from prison and give him probation.

"I think we have a good shot at it," Hook said.