CONVICTED METH-MAKER SUES MOTEL, MANAGER OVER PRIVACY, LOSES

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - A motel manager had the right to call police when
he discovered that a suspicious guest who paid cash in advance for a
room had ingredients for making methamphetamine, a jury said.

The Benton County Circuit Court rejected Daniel T. Burch's claim that
David Trapp violated his privacy when he entered his room at the
Comfort Inn in Bentonville. Burch, 25, of Springdale, is serving a
10-year sentence for manufacturing meth and possessing it with the
intent to deliver.

Burch sued the motel and Trapp last year, saying Trapp improperty
searched his room and luggage and that Trapp shouldn't have called
police. He claimed outrage and invasion of property.

Circuit Judge Xollie Duncan dismissed the outrage allegation
Wednesday and jurors later took 30 minutes to rule in favor of the
motel and Trapp.

According to testimony, Burch and a friend went to the motel July 22,
2002, and paid cash. After carrying two duffel bags, two briefcases
and a box of electronic equipment to the room, the men left.

Because the men had checked in early, Trapp said, he went to the room
to make sure a maid had tended to it. He said that, when he opened
the door, a smell overwhelmed him and he saw items that resembled
methamphetamine ingredients.

Trapp called police, who discovered Burch was wanted for failing to
appear in Springdale District Court. On Trapp's return, officers
arrested Burch on the warrant and discovered he was carrying
additional meth ingredients. After obtaining a search warrant, police
went through Burch's room and car.

Burch's lawsuit said Trapp grossly invaded Burch's privacy by opening
a closed suitcase and by calling police.

Burch's acquaintance, Mark Crigler, was later sentenced to 15 years
on similar drug charges.

Burch was arrested again for making meth while out on bond for the
first arrest. He told police he was selling drugs to pay for his lawyer.

"I never planned to cook meth in the hotel room," Burch testified
Wednesday. "I always went to the woods. I've never done that and never would."