CROOKED COP GETS TSK, TSK

A former Leland cop convicted of a serious drug crime won't do time
like a real criminal. A plea deal apparently will allow him to serve
his 30-day sentence on weekends.

The charge against former Cpl. Brett H. Hobbs, conspiracy to traffic
in cocaine, could have sent him to prison for 14 years. But going
along with a plea agreement, Judge William Gore gave him a brief taste
of the jail experience and two years' probation.

The light sentence and the convenient manner in which it will be
served send what may be an unintended message: that the system treats
badge-wearing felons, or politically connected ones, more gently than
ordinary criminals.

There's little comfort in the stipulation that the charges predated
Mr. Hobbs' employment as a police officer. That presumably means
prosecutors don't know whether he committed any crimes while on the
force.

But they do know that the drug ring he was associated with brought a
lot of cocaine -- at least 100 pounds in 1999 and 2000 alone -- into
Brunswick County.

They also know that they've had to dismiss roughly two dozen cases he
was involved with while an officer. In other words, thanks to Mr.
Hobbs, a lot of other criminals may still be on the streets.

Mr. Hobbs, the son of Leland's mayor pro tem, wasn't reassigned or
suspended even after town officials found out he was under
investigation. He resigned from the force in June.

His lawyer says Mr. Hobbs simply fell in with the wrong crowd and has
taken responsibility for his actions.

Though his punishment was exceedingly generous, however, there's one
consolation for the public: He won't be allowed to work in law
enforcement again, or own a gun.

Thank goodness for small favors.