CHARGES LIKELY AGAINST GWINNETT DRUG INVESTIGATORS

Charges Likely Against Gwinnett Drug Investigators

Two former Gwinnett County narcotics investigators are likely to face
criminal charges for stealing money reserved for undercover drug buys,
a department spokesman said Friday.

Lt. David Butler, who supervised narcotics and prostitution
investigations, resigned July 16 after being confronted about an
unknown amount of cash that disappeared from a safe containing "buy
money." His subordinate, Officer Vennie Harden, also is suspected of
pocketing buy money earlier this year. Harden resigned in lieu of
termination July 13.

Internal investigations into the allegations of theft are complete.
However, police aren't releasing the findings because a criminal
investigation is pending.

"The criminal side is going to be wrapped up in the next week or so,"
department spokesman Cpl. David Schiralli said. "We're probably going
to be pressing charges."

Schiralli said there is probable cause to believe the men stole from
the department, but acted separately.

Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter said he has been
briefed on the facts of the case. He has not yet received the
investigative file. He said the fact that Butler and Harden were
police officers could lead to them being charged with violation of
oath of office in addition to any theft-related charges. Violation of
oath of office is a felony punishable by one to five years in prison.

If there are allegations that the officers committed a crime during
the course of their duties, Harden and Butler would be entitled to
receive notice of indictment and be present when the evidence is
presented to a grand jury, Porter said.