COP REBUTS CHARGES HE SOLD DRUGS IN FAIRVIEW

A North Bergen police officer took the witness stand in his own defense
Wednesday, denying that he sold drugs to an undercover officer in a
Fairview nightclub in 1999.

Marc Corso, 28, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of official
misconduct. The two-year veteran is also charged with distribution and
possession of Ecstasy, a designer drug popular in some nightclubs.

Corso's trial began Wednesday before Superior Court Judge John Conte in
Hackensack. Jurors were expected to begin deliberations today.

Corso remains suspended without pay pending the trial's outcome.

The officer -- thin and with a crew cut -- testified that he was dancing
and socializing at the Drama Club when he was hauled out by detectives from
the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force on April 16, 1999.

"I've never sold any drug in my entire life," Corso told jurors.

In turn, two detectives from the prosecutor's office testified that they
were working inside the Drama Club in response to several reports of drug
dealing and overdoses at the popular Tonnelle Avenue nightspot. They used
confidential informants to help them buy drugs inside.

They said they approached the club's promoter, Giovanni Gallo, about buying
drugs. Gallo walked away and returned a short time later with two tablets
of Ecstasy, which he sold to a detective for $50, they said.

Assistant Prosecutor Kenneth Ralph and defense attorney John Young differ
on Corso's alleged role in the transaction.

The prosecutor contends that Gallo walked over to Corso to retrieve the
drugs, then both men approached the undercover officer. He also said that
Corso named the price. Gallo took the $50 bill from the detective and
handed it to Corso as they walked away, Ralph said.

Corso, however, said he had walked over to Gallo inside the club just to
say hello. Gallo asked him to make change for a $50 bill, which he said he did.

Detectives detained Corso inside the club a few minutes later. Corso
identified himself as an officer, but was taken to Fairview police
headquarters, where he was charged and released on his own recognizance.

"I was frustrated," Corso said. "I was in shock because I didn't know what
was going on. I wasn't going to fight with another police officer, though."

Corso and Gallo were two of six people arrested inside the club that night.
Gallo, 24, testified against Corso, whom he said he has known casually for
about three years.

Young, Corso's attorney, attacked Gallo's credibility.

Gallo, who was on probation at the time of the arrest, struck a deal with
prosecutors to avoid prison. In exchange for his testimony, Gallo received
five years' probation and was ordered to enroll in an inpatient drug
treatment program.

Gallo testified that Corso came to him earlier that night, asking him to
steer any potential customers his way.

"Mark Corso told me he had drugs for sale and if I knew anybody who wanted
any to let him know," Gallo said. "He told me the pills were $25 each."

Both attorneys are expected to make their closing arguments today before
the case is turned over to the jury.