DEPUTY: ADDICTION WASN'T DISCLOSED

Perjury Trial Begins For Former Sheriff

Topeka -- A former Shawnee County sheriff's deputy testified that he didn't disclose his cocaine addiction to then-Sheriff Dave Meneley during drug treatment.

Timothy Oblander was called as the state's first witness to testify in the perjury trial of Meneley, who was ousted from office earlier this year. The trial began Monday with a 12-member jury.

Meneley faces two felony perjury charges, which are related to his testimony at two hearings last year.

In those hearings, Meneley said he had been unaware that Oblander had used cocaine. Meneley said he didn't know until Oblander disclosed his problem publicly in March 1999, shortly after the deputy resigned.

Oblander testified that while receiving drug treatment in 1995 he did not tell Meneley that he was addicted to cocaine.

Oblander also said his addiction wasn't mentioned during a session near the end of his monthlong treatment. During the session, Oblander said he asked Meneley to transfer him out of the narcotics unit when he returned to the sheriff's department.

Although Oblander didn't bring up his drug problem with Meneley, the former deputy said his request for the transfer was an indication he had an addiction.

Earlier Monday, Meneley's attorney Margie Phelps said, "He'll finally get a chance to say his side."

But Meneley wouldn't confirm whether he planned to testify, saying only, "We'll have to wait and see."