OFFICER A 'CRIMINAL' IN UNIFORM, POLICE SAY

Accused In Federal Court of Trading in Ecstasy

TAMPA - The drug suspect had a problem. When police impounded his
1995 Mustang convertible, there were 1,000 hits of ecstasy hidden
inside.

That's when Tampa police Officer Matthew R. Campbell stepped in to
help, federal authorities say. Officials say Campbell, 26, entered
the impound lot and cut the top of the car to get to the drug.

Then, an affidavit states, Campbell - in uniform and on duty with
another cruiser parked nearby - delivered the drug to the suspect in
December 2000. He agreed to the deal in exchange for 10 bottles of an
anabolic steroid, investigators say.

``He was just a criminal wearing our uniform,'' said Joe Durkin,
spokesman for Tampa police.

He might not be wearing that uniform for long. Campbell was arrested
Wednesday night by federal authorities who say he conspired to
possess and distribute ecstasy.

The officer assigned to the Ybor City district was arraigned in
federal court Friday morning. He was released on a $50,000 signature
bond.

``When something like this happens, it tarnishes all members of law
enforcement,'' Durkin said.

Campbell, who has worked for the department since August 1998, first
came under suspicion in November 2000 when a confidential source told
police Campbell was thought to be involved with narcotics, Durkin
said.

The department turned that information over to a federal Drug
Enforcement Administration task force.

Campbell was suspended May 25 with pay as the investigation
continued. A month later, he was suspended without pay.

A hearing is scheduled for next week. Campbell likely will be fired,
Durkin said.

In addition to trading ecstasy for steroids, the affidavit states,
Campbell helped an undercover DEA agent obtain ecstasy in May at the
Groovy Mule Bottle Club.

``Officer Campbell is the rare exception in this profession,'' Durkin
said. ``The overwhelming vast majority of the men and women who wear
the uniform are 100 percent committed to their profession and serving
the community.''

If convicted, Campbell faces 20 years in federal prison.