SHERIFF PUTS OFFICER ON LEAVE
Investigation Goes On Into Leaks Over Drugs

A Jacksonville Sheriff's Office narcotics detective has been stripped
of his gun and badge because of allegations made during a continuing
federal and state investigation into police officers leaking
information about drug cases.

Aric Sinclair was placed on paid leave last week and told to go home,
Sheriff Nat Glover said. He hasn't been charged in any crime, but will
remain on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Glover wouldn't comment further yesterday about why he placed the
seven-year veteran on leave.

"As this investigation progressed, I think it was the appropriate
thing to do and reassigned Officer Sinclair to his home," Glover said.

Sinclair couldn't be reached for comment yesterday.

He was removed as a detective in the narcotics unit last summer and
reassigned to office duty about the same time two notorious
Jacksonville drug dealers were arrested.

The sheriff asked the U.S. Attorney's Office and other federal
agencies to begin investigating the possible breach of confidence
after officials discovered someone may have tipped off the drug
dealers that they were under investigation.

Since then, detectives have narrowed the investigation in the
Sheriff's Office to a small group of police officers, Glover said. No
other officers have been placed on leave.

"Some of the allegations are serious," he said. "We are working as
quickly as we can to resolve this matter in the not-too-distant future."

Glover would not comment on how many officers are under investigation
or where in the department they work.

He also would not comment about what allegations were made, but told
federal investigators to review any other Sheriff's Office
investigations that could be linked. A task force looking into the
allegations includes the U.S. Attorney's Office, several federal
agencies and selected Sheriff's Office investigators.

"We do want to make certain that we are thorough," Glover
said.

The investigation into officers leaking information began in August
after Abdul Karim Robinson, known as Blue, and Derrick Smith, known as
Smiley, were arrested.

Robinson and Smith pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine
and crack cocaine since 1989, after signing an agreement with the
government. They were to be sentenced in January, but sentencing has
been postponed.

Federal authorities declined comment yesterday.

Glover said allegations of wrongdoing against a police officer always
trouble him.

"It's been just an emotional roller coaster this last six months as
the investigation progresses," he said.