DPS OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG CHARGES

By exchanging drugs for sexual favors, Arizona Department of Public Safety
(DPS) Officer Michael Dennis Thompson traded his peace officer certificate
for a criminal record.

Thompson, 31, son of former Safford Police Chief Dennis Thompson, pleaded
guilty to solicitation of transfer of narcotic drugs, a class four felony,
on Dec. 22.

In July 2004, DPS officers received information that one of their own was
providing drugs to a young woman. When officers approached the woman, she
confirmed that Thompson had been providing drugs to her in exchange for
sexual favors. The young woman agreed to cooperate with law enforcement in
the investigation of Thompson.

According to a statement of facts from the Maricopa County Attorney's
office, Thompson met with the woman in a Mesa motel Sept. 23 after two
prior attempts by the woman to set up a meeting were unsuccessful. Thompson
and the woman had a brief conversation before he showed her a packet.

He told her she could have what he had in his hand, but she would have to
"earn" it. He then threw the packet onto the floor and pointed to its
location. DPS officers then entered the room and took Thompson into custody.

After being Mirandized, Thompson admitted that he brought a package of
cocaine to the young woman that day and was going to receive sexual favors
in exchange for the drugs. Though he admitted finding the drugs in the back
of his patrol car, he could not recall the specific date he found the
drugs. Thompson also admitted to having a relationship with the woman and
providing her with drugs on at least three other occasions.

Thompson pleaded guilty to the lesser charge and waived a presentence
report, requesting to go directly to sentencing.

Judge Ronald S. Reinstein accepted his plea and sentenced him to 18 months
of probation, 125 hours of community service and a $500 fine.

"The case was resolved the same way as any similarly situated case,"
Maricopa County Attorney's Office Public Information Officer Bill
FitzGerald said.

"The defendant had no prior convictions, and this was a first offense. He
has resigned his position with DPS and lost his peace officer certification."

The Courier was unable to contact Thompson's father for comment.