TROOPER SENT TO PRISON FOR DRUG RIP-OFF

A Former Texas Department Of Public Safety Narcotics Investigator Was
Sentenced To Two, 40-Year Prison Terms Monday For Ripping Off People He
Should Have Been Arresting.

Johnnie Davis, 42, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery with a deadly
weapon and possession of more than 400 grams of a controlled substance.

A 12-year veteran trooper, Davis had been suspected of robbing drug
dealers. In March 2002 he was arrested for trying to rob an undercover
agent posing as a drug courier.

"This is a tragic day for your family ... It is indeed a tragedy that
someone in your position engaged in this kind of conduct," said state
District Judge Carol G. Davies, after handing down the sentences.

"You are an embarrassment to the pride of the brotherhood of police
officers," Davies said. "Your conduct weakens public confidence in our
entire criminal justice system."

Davis opted to allow the judge to set his punishment. He could have
received probation or up to life in prison. The 40-year sentences will run
concurrently. He will not be eligible for parole for 20 years.

Davis still faces charges of solicitation of capital murder for allegedly
trying to have two witnesses against him killed. He will return to court
today to face those charges.

Prosecutor Lester Blizzard had asked for the maximum punishment, but said
the sentences were harsh and send a message to the community.

"When the system breaks down and a police officer goes bad, he'll be
severely punished," Blizzard said.

Defense lawyer Christopher Downey had asked the judge for leniency and to
place Davis on a deferred adjudication probation, a type of probation that
shows no conviction upon completion.

"The bottom line is Johnnie Davis ... found himself in a financial bind and
took the wrong way out," Downey told the judge. But he said Davis wanted to
be a productive member of society again.

Accomplices Jarvis King, Paul Tolliver and A.J. Cotton pleaded guilty for
their roles. Cotton and Tolliver received 10 years of deferred adjudication
probation. King received two years of deferred adjudication.