EX-OFFICER CHARGED IN DRUG SALES

BRIDGEPORT -- A former city police officer, facing a charge of
insurance fraud, was arrested Wednesday on drug charges in the sale of
anabolic steroids in Milford.

Judd Lezotte, 39, of Bronx Avenue, was arrested on warrants in his
third-floor apartment by state narcotics officers. He is charged with
two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and sale of a
controlled substance.

Sgt. Blake Stine of the South Central Statewide Narcotics Task Force
said the warrants are part of seven-month investigation with Milford
detectives. He said Lezotte twice sold steroids to an undercover officer.

Stine said Lezotte, identifying himself as "J.L.," used fliers to
advertise the steroids and used a pager and Monroe post office box.

The steroids are controlled substances some athletes have used
illegally in body or strength building or to enhance performance in
sports.

When task force members and state troopers arrived at Lezotte's
apartment at 10 a.m., he refused to open the door.

Stine said officers heard a toilet flush and smelled smoke coming from
the apartment. Armed with a search warrant, they broke down the door
and arrested Lezotte after a brief struggle, Stine said.

Police said officers seized numerous items, including liquid steroids
and syringes, a computer system, sales records, a security camera and
monitor, a police scanner with transmitting capability and $1,200.
Also seized were 13 weapons including handguns, rifles and shotguns,
police said.

Lezotte could face more charges, Stine said.

Lezotte was a Bridgeport police officer for 10 years. He was arrested
in May 1998 on a charge of attempted second-degree larceny in an
insurance fraud case. Police had investigated claims that Lezotte
sought insurance compensation for motorcycle accidents under false
pretenses.

Lezotte resigned from the department last July.

Last September, Lezotte was granted accelerated rehabilitation,
meaning the larceny charge would be wiped from his record if he was
not arrested during two years of probation.

On the drug charges, Lezotte is being held in lieu of a $10,000 cash
bond in the Milford Police Department lockup. He will be arraigned
today in Milford Superior Court.

Joel C. Thompson, who covers law enforcement issues, can be reached at
330-6377.