PLANTERSVILLE OFFICER ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

PLANTERSVILLE - A police officer who works as a school resource officer was
being held Thursday on $1 million bond after his arrest on drug charges.

Billy R. Hanna, 34, of 2101 W. Jackson St. in Tupelo, was arrested
Wednesday after a nearly monthlong investigation by the Tupelo Police
Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, said Lt. Chuck Bunn.

Hanna was arrested at his residence without incident, and Justice Court
Judge John Hoyt Sheffield set his bond.

Bunn said that during the past month suspicions were raised about the
officer relating to the illegal sale of drugs.

Hanna is charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine with intent to
sell and sale of testosterone, a Schedule III controlled substance that is
used as a steroid, Bunn said.

Plantersville Police Chief Bill Roberts said Hanna's primary duty was
working as a school resource officer at Plantersville Elementary School,
but he did work part-time as a patrol officer.

Thursday afternoon, no decision had been made on Hanna's status at the
police department, but Roberts said he expected action to be taken during a
city executive session Thursday night.

All items seized during the investigation will be held by the narcotics
unit until they are returned to the city of Plantersville, Bunn said.

Police reported seizing about four grams of crystal methamphetamine, about
20 ounces of testosterone, assorted paraphernalia and a Winchester 300
magnum model 70 gun.

If convicted, Hanna could face up to 20 years in prison and $1,000-$250,000
fine for the sale of testosterone and up to 30 years in prison and a
$5,000-$1 million fine for the sale of crystal methamphetamine.