INVESTIGATOR RESIGNS OVER BOTCHED DRUG BUST

Discrepancies with paperwork that led to the dismissal of six drug-related
charges against a Selma man have also resulted in the resignation of an
investigator with the Dallas County Sheriff's Department.

Robert Dower, 28, was released from the Dallas County Jail on Tuesday
after Fourth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ed Greene dismissed
the charges. According to Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman Jr.,
discrepancies existed in the affidavit and search warrant.

"Some false statements were made, which led to the resignation of the
narcotics officer, who was also the arresting officer," Huffman said.

The resignation occurred Tuesday morning.

Huffman declined to name the officer who resigned, although his office
did confirm that Investigator Nash Gipson is no longer employed by the
department.

Huffman's department previously had two narcotics officers - Assistant
Chief Deputy Wayne Odom and Gipson. Both were involved in Dower's arrest.

According to Chief Deputy Randy Pugh, the discrepancies were
discovered last week, examined by himself and Odom over the weekend
and presented to Huffman Monday morning.

Huffman emphasized that the resignation was the result of the
discrepancies and for no other reason.

Huffman noted that the Alabama attorney general's office had been
contacted and would be involved in an investigation. Representatives
of the office are expected to conduct interviews and examine other
search warrants the former investigator was involved in.

Dower was arrested Oct. 21at a local motel after Dallas County
Sheriff's Department authorities served a search warrant. He was
charged with drug trafficking, unlawful possession of marijuana
first-degree, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful
possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of cocaine
without a tax stamp, and unlawful possession of marijuana without a
tax stamp.

Dower was allegedly found with $12,000 worth of cocaine, $1,500 worth
of marijuana and $1,500 worth of crack cocaine.

About $2,000 in cash was also found.