SCHOOL BUST CALLED WORTHWHILE

Perrysburg police and school officials say an undercover drug
investigation at the high school this year was worthwhile even though
it has not yet resulted in any serious criminal charges.

The 13-week, $20,000 investigation finished at the end of May. It used
a private security agent, posing as a student, who implicated six
students in marijuana-related offenses.

Police and school officials announced the undercover operation at a
news conference June 8. The students, who are 15 to 18 years old,
participated in small marijuana sales, police said.

Wood County Prosecutor Alan Mayberry did not return telephone calls.
But according to police and court records, a charge of drug abuse, a
minor misdemeanor, was brought against two of the 18-year-olds.

Bryan Lever, of 22982 McCutcheonville Rd., Perrysburg Township, pleaded
guilty last month in Perrysburg Municipal Court. He was fined $100 plus
court costs and his driver's license was suspended for six months.

Nicholas Montgomery of 171 Birchdale Rd., Perrysburg, was arraigned on
the charge last month. His case is pending.

Another 18-year-old, who could be charged with a felony, is cooperating
with police, Perrysburg police Chief Nelson Evans said. Details on
another 18-year-old implicated by the investigation were not available,
but Chief Evans said he would face nothing more serious than a
misdemeanor charge.

Two juveniles will face unspecified charges, Detective Sgt. Doug
Spencer said.

The police division and the school district paid for the investigation,
with the help of a $1,000 donation from a confidential donor.

Officials said they initiated the investigation in response to rumors
that heroin was being bought, sold, and used in the high school.

The effort and the expense were worthwhile, school Superintendent
Sharon Zimmers said.

"We found marijuana, so the hearsay and rumors were not substantiated,"
Dr. Zimmers said. "We're not saying heroin is not there, but we're
doing everything we can to keep it out of the schools. We'll continue
to be diligent in making sure the students and public understand that."

Chief Evans said the widely publicized investigation will deter anyone
planning to sell drugs in the high school. "The threat of being caught
will make the kids think twice. We may do it again."