DRUG COUNSELING EMPLOYEE ARRESTED

Kim Kent has been charged with possession of methadone.

MANSFIELD -- The administrative assistant of an independent agency
that administers the drug court program in DeSoto and Sabine parishes
was arrested Friday after a client complained the official was
soliciting prescription drugs in return for preferential treatment in
the program.

Kim Kent, 38, of Mansfield is being held without bond in the DeSoto
Parish Detention Center, where she is charged with possession of
methadone, a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance.

Kent was arrested at noon at the Alcohol Drug Abuse Counseling, or
ADAC, office in Mansfield, according to Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle.

Lt. Pat Cobbs, who heads the narcotics division, said Kent allegedly
requested a drug court client deliver methadone to her.

And in return, the client expected to receive a favorable
recommendation in the court-sanctioned program.

"She has control over files and data related to drug court," Cobbs
said.

An investigation was launched after the complaint was received.

There have been additional allegations that the same request had been
made of other clients, Arbuckle said.

ADAC is an independent agency that offers counseling services and monitors
individuals who must enroll in the rehabilitation program as part of their
sentence for drug or alcohol offenses.