DRUG CASE IN DA'S HANDS

29, 2002 Any criminal charge against a Monroe police officer who resigned a
week ago after allegedly buying marijuana is in the hands of the 4th
District Attorney's Office, police Chief Joe Stewart said Friday.

The officer, who was not arrested in the incident, was not given
preferential treatment, Stewart said. It was simply exercising one option
over another for a misdemeanor charge.

"We often forward the investigation to the (Monroe) city attorney's office
or the district attorney without making an arrest on misdemeanors," Stewart
said.

Stewart said the Monroe police department conducted the investigation, and
the officer resigned before an internal affairs investigation into the
matter was completed.

District Attorney Jerry Jones said he is still waiting for the file to be
processed before looking into charges.

The officer could be charged with simple possession or malfeasance in
office, Jones said. That decision will be made when the file comes to his desk.

Vicki Houston-Hogg, spokeswoman for the District Attorney's office, said
investigation files typically take one week to 10 days to arrive. Since the
incident happened one week ago Friday they are expecting it at any time,
she said.