DRUG TEST ARGUED AT DEPUTY`S TRIAL

The trial of former Escambia County Sheriff's Deputy Jerry West continues
in the Escambia County Courthouse today at 8 a.m.

West, 29, was arrested in April 2000. He is charged with possession of less
than 20 grams of marijuana and tampering with evidence.

Defense attorney Jerry Allred said he took more than an hour Thursday to
outline the case during his opening statements.

"This is an extremely complicated case, and it appears that there is an
explanation for every point the state would make," Allred said.

West was assigned to the Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit, which has
been disbanded. The unit was responsible for pursuing drug cases and other
street-level crime.

West is accused of swapping a higher grade of marijuana in a sealed
evidence bag with a lower grade. He also tested positive for drug use.

Allred questioned state witness Lisa Zeller, a forensic toxicologist with
the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who conducted West's drug test
along with 14 other deputies in the Street Crimes Unit.

West was the only one who turned up positive, with more than a trace amount
found in his sample.

But Allred said the amount found in the drug test was less than what
Florida law counts as a positive drug test. He hinted at the possibility
West might have inhaled or ingested marijuana while sealing evidence bags,
through second-hand smoke or other means.