DEPUTY FACES DRUG CHARGE

APPOMATTOX - An Appomattox County sheriff's deputy has been arrested on a
federal drug charge.

Eric S. Lee, 34, of Appomattox was arrested last week and charged with
conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of
cocaine.

One of the officers working in the multi-agency investigation said Lee was
employed by the sheriff's office at the time of the arrest. A news release
Monday referred to Lee as a "former deputy."

In the news release, Sheriff O. Wilson Staples said, "Whenever a law
enforcement officer is arrested for criminal activity, it affects not only
their respective agency, but the entire law enforcement community."

Staples could not be reached for further comment Monday.

The arrest followed a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) in Richmond; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives; the Virginia State Police; the Prince Edward County
Sheriff's Office; and the Farmville Police Department.

An officer from one of the agencies said that one other person was arrested
in connection with Lee's arrest but

had no information about the other suspect Monday.

Representatives from most law enforcement agencies could not be reached for
comment Monday due to the Presidents Day holiday.

The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy's Web site cites the
wholesale prices for cocaine in 2001 as ranging from $20 to $200 per gram.

According to the Appomattox County Sheriff's Office, Lee's charge carries a
mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum term of 40
years in prison.

Lee is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is awaiting a bond
hearing.

Staples said in his statement, "I was informed of the investigation in
December 2004. Since that time, I have cooperated fully with the
investigating agents and will continue to assist them in any way possible."

In comments that accompanied the statement from the sheriff's office,
Staples wrote, "There will be no additional comments made!"

"The Appomattox County Sheriff's Office has a proud tradition of service to
the community and is committed to the values of honesty, integrity and
professionalism," Staples said in the statement. "As sheriff, I will be
vigilant in maintaining these values while meeting the law enforcement
needs of the citizens of Appomattox County."