EX-COP GETS PRISON IN DRUG CASE

A former Houston police officer caught in a drug sting two years ago was
sentenced Thursday to 40 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for possession
of cocaine with intent to distribute it.

Frank S. Ferguson, 54, also was sentenced to 10 years in prison for
burglary in connection with the crime. The sentences are to be served
concurrently.

"I'm extremely impressed with this jury's deliberation and verdict," said
prosecutor Philip Grant. "I think justice happened today."

Defense attorney Charles Brink, noting that Ferguson would appeal, said he
was disappointed that witnesses during the sentencing phase were not
allowed to say more about what he called the defendant's good qualities.
The charges stemmed from a multiagency sting Oct. 21, 1999, in which
Ferguson and five others were accused of stealing about five kilograms of
cocaine and $50,000. Houston police Lt. Dennis Gafford testified that the
cocaine had a street value of at least $1 million.

The six also included Pasadena deputy marshals Troy South and Keith Wagner;
reserve deputy marshal Danny Wagner, brother of Keith; a third Wagner
brother, former Galena Park officer Michael Joe Wagner; and Eric Jon
Gibson, a reputed drug dealer from Spring.

Keith Wagner was convicted in February and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Michael Wagner and Gibson have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Cases against Danny Wagner and South are pending.

Ferguson was paid $10,000 for his role in the crime and a previous theft,
Gibson testified.