DRUGS FOUND AT LAWMAKER'S CLUB

A police raid that found evidence of marijuana and other drug use at his
after-hours nightclub has the chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus
smoldering with indignation but promising better cooperation with authorities.

No arrests were made and none is expected, although the investigation
continues, according to law enforcement officials.

Four LaGrange police officers entered state Rep. Carl Von Epps' Sandpiper
club about 3 a.m. Sunday. The music stopped playing, the lights went on,
and the 100 to 200 patrons quickly scattered.

Police said they found three small bags of pot, at least three marijuana
joints and numerous zip-lock bags containing suspected marijuana or cocaine
residue.

Epps (D-LaGrange), who was at the club door collecting cover charges when
police arrived, said the whole thing was puffed up out of proportion.

"You'll find more marijuana than that at a college fraternity party," he said.

He said he knew the officers were coming. "But I did not have anything to
hide. I don't know what kind of politics they are playing."

He said the Sandpiper is "just a little after-hours club where people come
and dance and go home."

Since the incident, Epps has met with LaGrange police Chief Lou Dekmar, and
they have agreed to monitor the club more closely to try to prevent illegal
activities.

"We agreed that we would resolve some of the perceived ills," Epps said. "I
think it was a little overzealous on their part."

LaGrange police Sgt. Dale Strickland, who led the raid, said there were no
political motives behind the police action.

Strickland said his officers had been operating a traffic check that night
in the area and were told of possible drug use at the club.

"When we walked in the door, it was obvious, the smell of burnt marijuana,"
Strickland said.

District Attorney Peter Skandalakis said Tuesday that he does not
anticipate any arrests.

He said he has conferred with police and has been assured that Epps is
"working with the Police Department to make sure this sort of thing doesn't
happen again."