DRUG CASE AGAINST CONSTABLE FIZZLES

Tempe Official Says It's No Shock

Tempe Constable Mark Hamblen says it came as no shock to him that
prosecutors have declined to press drug charges against him and his
roommates.

"It's bothersome," he said Tuesday. "But at this point, I'm almost
finding it ridiculous. I'm flabbergasted by the whole thing."

Hamblen, 30, was arrested in September after police said they found a
"usable quantity of marijuana," a pipe and several bongs in his rented
Tempe home.

But Bill FitzGerald, spokesman for the Maricopa County Attorney's
Office, said there was "no likelihood of conviction" on any charge
against Hamblen or his roommates. He didn't elaborate but said the
case could be resubmitted if additional evidence was uncovered.

Police launched the investigation after neighbors in the 1700 block of
South Parkside Drive complained of parties and alleged drug use.

After finding paraphernalia in trash linked to the household, police
arrested Hamblen and Angelia Montgomery, 25. The third roommate,
Thomas Slattery, 34, was never arrested.

Tempe police said they thought they had ample evidence for prosecutors
to charge Hamblen.

"I don't know what the factors are or what any other reasons could
be," Sgt. Dave Lind said. "In this case, there was enough information
to indicate that everybody knew about it. That's what possession is."

Lind said the drugs and paraphernalia were found in common living
areas and Hamblen's bedroom.

However, Hamblen denied knowledge of drugs in his home. In fact, he
believes he was framed by one or two justices of the peace who didn't
want him to win the $44,000-a-year elected position.

"I am very pleased to hear that this matter is being brought to a
close," Hamblen said in a statement. "However, it appears that the
problems with Tempe Court are not near a conclusion."

Justice of the Peace Victor Wilkins apparently has locked Hamblen out
of the office since Sept. 23.

Hamblen, who was elected constable last year, now must work out of
another justice court.

"From Day One, he (Wilkins) treated me as though I was less than a
person," Hamblen said.

Police said they are investigating a threat Hamblen is accused of
making against Wilkins in October. Witnesses say Hamblen said he was
"going to burn" Wilkins.

Wilkins could not be reached for comment.

Constables serve four-year terms and enforce court-ordered evictions
and serve summonses from the justice courts.