DRUG AGENTS ACCUSED OF WATCHING ADULT MOVIES AFTER BUST

LAYTON, Utah (AP) -- While digging for evidence in the home of two brothers
arrested on drug charges, narcotics agents are accused of taking a break by
ordering three pay-per-view adult movies.

The homeowner is threatening to sue and both the state and Davis County are
investigating.

"Everybody is passing the buck at this point," said Capt. Al Acosta of the
Utah Criminal Investigations Bureau, which had agents on the bust. "I'm not
going to place blame. ... In my opinion, no one is beyond suspicion at this
point."

Agents of the state agency and the Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force raided
Jim Passarelli's home on June 24 and arrested Passarelli and his brother
Anthony.

Agents alleged that Anthony Passarelli sold cocaine and that drug
paraphernalia with cocaine residue were found in his room. Both men were
booked on drug possession charges.

Jim Passarelli alleges that, while he was in jail, narcotics agents used his
Direct TV satellite service to watch "Fetish," "When Boyz Meet Girls" and
"Fashion Plate."

He said his bill showed three adult channels were accessed while the agents
were in the house, and a spokesman for Direct TV said such movies cannot be
ordered more than five to 10 minutes in advance.

According to the bill statement, one movie cost $7.99 and the other two
$5.99 each.

Passarelli's lawyer, Aric Cramer, plans to sue Davis County and the state
for theft and burglary.

"There was no purpose in watching the movies on his TV, even if it was not
pay-per-view and it was Mary Poppins," Cramer said.

Anthony Passarelli pleaded guilty to two second-degree felony counts of drug
possession and is to be sentenced next month. Jim Passarelli denies dealing
drugs.

Checked-by: Rolf Ernst