FORMER OFFICER GETS PROBATION

No Jail Time On Drug Charges, Judge Rules

A former Meridian police officer has pleaded guilty to drug charges but
will not serve jail time if he can successfully complete his probation.

Don Morgan received a five-year, non-adjudicated sentence Tuesday from
Circuit Judge Robert Bailey, Clarke County Circuit Clerk Beth Doggett said.

The non-adjudication means that Morgan will not be jailed and his record
can be erased if he successfully completes his probation.

The judge also assessed a $1,000 fine and court costs.

Morgan was found in his patrol car in what Police Chief Benny DuBose called
a "disoriented" state May 3, 2002.

DuBose said a search of Morgan's car turned up several bottles of
unauthorized narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

"An immediate inventory was conducted on the K9 training supplies, and it
was discovered that a quantity of items were missing from the safe," DuBose
said.

More illegal drugs were found in a subsequent search of Morgan's home in
Clarke County.

Morgan was arrested and charged with illegal possession of cocaine and
crystal methamphetamine. He was fired almost immediately.

In February 2003, a Clarke County grand jury indicted him on three criminal
counts for possession.