FORMER DEPUTY'S PLEA WILL STAND

GAINESVILLE -- A former Polk County sheriff's deputy won't be allowed
to withdraw his plea of no contest to federal drug charges linking him
to a cocaine distribution ring.

Roderick Myron Stevenson, 39, of Winter Haven, was an 11-year veteran
with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. He was arrested in February
2004 after a yearlong grand jury investigation in northern Florida.

Investigators accuse Stevenson of accepting cash in exchange for
police protection as part of a drug-dealing ring that stretched from
Gainesville to Winter Haven and Miami.

On Aug. 22, 2005, Stevenson pleaded no contest to conspiracy to
distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams
of a substance containing crack cocaine.

But Stevenson filed a motion Nov. 8 seeking to withdraw his change of
plea, claiming federal prosecutors labeled him a liar and went back on
their offer to recommend a reduced sentence if Stevenson helped
prosecute other law enforcement officers.

After a Wednesday hearing, Stevenson's motion was denied.

His sentencing has been set for March 3 before Senior U.S. District
Judge Maurice Paul, court records show.