DEPUTY DETAINED, FACES DRUG CHARGES

Administrative Action 'Will Be Swift'

A 13-year Shelby County sheriff's deputy has been indicted on drug
charges, money laundering and robbing a drug dealer, federal officials
said Friday.

Deputy Jodie Chambers, 39, assigned to the patrol division's midnight
shift, appeared in federal court Friday afternoon.

He'll be held without bond until a detention hearing Tues day
afternoon. Chambers, arrested at the Criminal Justice Center Friday
morning, is charged with possession of 12 pounds of marijuana and 4
ounces of crack cocaine, three counts of obstruction of justice, five
counts of money laundering, three counts of possession of a firearm
during a crime of violence or drug trafficking, and one count of
violating civil rights.

Chambers, who was relieved of duty with pay, also faces administrative
charges, Sheriff Mark Luttrell said.

That procedure "will be swift," Luttrell said.

Another man, Leo Bearden, was arrested Friday in the
case.

Authorities said Chambers owns North Tire Co. at 3376
Watkins.

During a search there, officers found a .40-caliber Glock pistol on
Bearden, who has murder and robbery convictions. Bearden was charged
as a felon in possession of a firearm.

Chambers's charges stem from a three-month investigation by the FBI,
Memphis and Shelby County authorities.

There were few details in the short court hearing Friday afternoon
before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tu Pham, but the indictment says that on
March 31, Chambers "unlawfully took controlled substances and $6,000"
from a suspect.

The indictment also says Chambers used a .45-caliber pistol to
threaten and intimidate a witness.

The laundering charges stem from the sale of stolen property and
drugs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Chambers joined the department in 1991 and has worked with the SWAT
team, fugitive squad, crime prevention and the courts.

He was assigned to patrol last June. His personnel file reflects
transfers, appreciation letters for speaking to various groups and
other accolades.

There are a couple of notations for writing the wrong court date on
tickets and improper operation of a vehicle.

Luttrell, who referred questions about the investigation to federal
authorities, did lament the way the case makes law enforcement look -
particularly his department.

He called the episode "a dark day for police."

He said he doesn't believe any other deputies are involved and that
he's tried to rebuild the department's integrity since taking over as
sheriff.

But the arrest shows that law enforcement is like any other
profession, he said.

"We have some good people, and it only takes one to embarrass
us."