TWO OFFICERS PLEAD NOT GUILTY

No Bond Set in Case Involving Drugs, Prostitution

Two Memphis police officers, dressed in orange prison jumpsuits, pleaded
not guilty to prostitution and drug charges Wednesday.

David Tate, 37, and Billy Scott, 28, didn't ask for bond and will remain
detained.

Tate, Scott and fellow officer John D. Vaughan are charged in an 11-count
federal indictment.

Vaughan, who hasn't entered a plea, was released on $10,000 bond. He'll be
back in court next week.

Tate, a policeman for 18 years, is charged with taking bribes to tip off
topless nightclubs when raids were coming, ferrying prostitutes to
"high-rollers" at Tunica casinos, and protecting couriers taking Ecstasy
and high-grade methamphetamine to Tunica.

The drug carriers, the buyer and the prostitutes were all undercover FBI
agents.

Tate, Scott, and female accomplice April Veach were charged Monday with
conspiring to burglarize professional wrestler Jerry Lawler's East Memphis
home.

They targeted his house because they thought he had $200,000 stashed in a
jukebox, according to the charges.

Veach, 21, was released on $5,000 bond. She also pleaded not guilty Wednesday.

Vaughan, 28, was charged with Tate in the drug counts.

The arrests were the result of an eight-month investigation that began when
- -- police say -- Tate solicited John Ligato at the Platinum Rose topless
club on South Third, seeking money for tips on when the vice unit was coming.

Tate was recorded in wiretaps during the FBI investigation, including
conversations with Veach about breaking into Lawler's home.

"I ain't goin' out like a punk. I'll stand there and trade lead with 'em,"
he told her.

Tate resigned Monday.

Scott, an officer since 1998, now assigned to Central Precinct, and
Vaughan, an officer since 1999, now assigned to the Special Traffic
Enforcement Unit, have been relieved of duty with pay while the
investigation continues.