MILLER WANTS UPDATE FROM BOLTON ON FAKE-DRUG CASES

Chief Says He'll Discuss Drug Cases With Her But Urges Patience

Dallas Mayor-elect Laura Miller said Monday that she would request a
direct update from Police Chief Terrell Bolton about the department's
handling of questionable drug busts.

Ms. Miller, who takes office Wednesday, said she would place the issue
on the council's agenda within the next two weeks. She said public
discussion would help rebuild trust between the city's residents and
leaders. During the mayoral race, Ms. Miller and her opponent, Tom
Dunning, said they would ask for frequent updates about the case from
Chief Terrell Bolton and City Manager Ted Benavides.

"They have to know they can trust City Hall," she said. "When
difficult scandals come up, I would like us to be more responsive.
It's a serious issue."

Police command staff offices were closed Monday. Chief Bolton, reached
at home, said that Ms. Miller had not contacted him.

He said that he would discuss the matter with her but that the ongoing
investigation and pending civil lawsuits prevent him from discussing
details of the cases.

Chief Bolton stressed that federal authorities were investigating the
matter. He said he would act decisively once results are forwarded to
him, and he urged Dallas residents and city leaders to have patience.

"I have total confidence in the FBI and DEA," he said. "At the time I
have the information, up until that time, I have nothing else to add.
... It would be detrimental to the people and to the city if we start
a bad precedent of briefing on ongoing criminal investigations."

Ms. Miller said the cases needed to be discussed so that residents
wouldn't think officials were trying to hide something. Such a public
discussion would not hurt the FBI's investigation, she said.

"I just think there are things that can be said to the public," she
said. "It's a serious question among citizens about what's happening
in their own community."

In at least 24 narcotics arrests, undercover detectives seized large
amounts of what was initially thought to be cocaine or methamphetamine
only to discover months later that the substances were ground
Sheetrock or other legal substances.

Those arrested spent as long as five months in jail, and some pleaded
guilty to lesser charges and were deported before questions about the
busts materialized. Two narcotics detectives, Senior Cpl. Mark Delapaz
and Officer Eddie Herrera, have been placed on administrative leave
while the investigation continues.

The Dallas County district attorney's office has dismissed more than
70 cases related to the inquiry, and the FBI is investigating the drug
busts.

Council member Mitchell Rasansky has tried unsuccessfully to generate
support to have the matter discussed by members of the council's
Public Safety Committee. As mayor, Ms. Miller will have the power to
place issues on the council agenda.

Attorneys representing some of those accused in the cases said that
Ms. Miller's statements encouraged them. Cynthia Barbare said the
Police Department's response should have been more aggressive when
concerns were first raised in September.

"It shows she's intent on getting on top of things," Ms. Barbare
said.