DRUG PROBE PROMPTS ARREST, FIRING OF 2 DEPUTIES

Two Rapides Parish sheriff's deputies were arrested in separate
incidents.

Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton said Saturday that both
deputies worked in the corrections division and did not patrol the
streets.

The arrests were in separate cases, but both are the result of two-to
three-month investigations.

Karen Scarborough, 38, of 141 Cleveland Road, Boyce, and Stephen
Bennett Sr., 32, of 102 Chevalier Road, Deville, have been terminated
from the Sheriff's Office, said Chief Deputy Ronnie Sellers.

Scarborough is suspected of operating a methamphetamine lab while
Bennett is accused of drug possession.

Sellers said he had no information to indicate that the pair's alleged
drug problems have impacted the department's prison system.

Scarborough worked at Rapides Parish Detention Center 1. She had been
employed since January 2002. Bennett, a sergeant who worked at the
department's Work Release Facility, has been an employee since April
1999.

Metro Narcotics agents conducted the investigations, which Sellers
said are ongoing.

Agents gather information daily, and some of the information led
investigators to Bennett and Scarborough, he said. The information
resulted in the investigations and the arrests.

Scarborough, arrested about 2 a.m. Saturday, faces charges of
operating a clandestine lab, manufacturing a controlled dangerous
substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession
of drug paraphernalia, and child desertion.

A child was involved, but Sellers said he could not release specifics.

Bennett was arrested about 9:30 p.m. Friday on charges of two counts
of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to
distribute, illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of drug
paraphernalia, and an expired driver's license.

Bennett was released on an $18,000 bail bond, and Scarborough was
released after posting a $16,750 bail bond.