EX-COP PLEADS GUILTY IN DRUG CASE

He admits addiction, prescription fraud

A former Harahan police officer accused of abusing prescription drugs while
he was on the force has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor possession charge.

Wiley Wood IV, became addicted to hydrocodone after being injured on the job
in early 2002, and fraudulently obtained prescriptions for the drug,
according to the plea agreement he signed. The agreement required Wood to
resign from the Harahan Police Department, which he did Nov. 10. He pleaded
guilty in U.S. District Court on Thursday.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jim Letten said Friday his office agreed to the plea
deal because there is no evidence that Wood abused his authority as an
officer to obtain the drugs, nor was there evidence that he was selling
drugs. Also, Wood has completed a drug rehabilitation program, Letten said.

"We think that this is a measured response to the situation," he said.

Wood, a six-year veteran of the department, was arrested in September after
the Drug Enforcement Administration uncovered the prescription fraud.

He has not been sentenced in the case. His punishment could range from a
$1,000 fine to a year in prison plus a $100,000 fine.