FORMER DEPUTY ANSWERS LAWSUIT

A former deputy with the Davidson County Sheriff's Office says he planted
drugs in a vehicle that led to the false arrest and imprisonment of a
county resident.

The admission came from David Scott Woodall in a response to a lawsuit
against him and suspended Davidson County Sheriff Gerald Hege. The
hand-written response was filed in U.S. District Court on Oct. 7.

Woodall referred to himself in the third person in his response.

"Woodall accepts responsibility and it is his desire to correct all wrongs
in which he participated and will continue to cooperate," Woodall wrote.

Woodall is one of three former Davidson County deputies convicted last year
on various drug-related charges. He is serving a 27-year sentence in
federal prison.

On Sept. 15, a lawsuit was filed by Darick Lynn Owens in U.S. District
Court naming both Woodall and Hege as defendants.

It alleged civil rights violations and false imprisonment stemming from a
September 2000 incident in which Owens was arrested after deputies found
drugs in his vehicle.

According to the lawsuit, Woodall planted drugs in Owens' vehicle and then
ordered deputies to search the car based on a tip that a large amount of
marijuana was in the car. When nothing was found, Woodall ordered a second
search the next day, the suit said.

During the second search, deputies found drugs and arrested Owens, who
spent 50 days in the Davidson County Detention Center under a $45,000
secured bond.

The case was dismissed in March 2002 at the request of Davidson County
District Attorney Garry Frank after Woodall's conviction.

In the civil suit, Owens seeks at least $100,000 in compensatory damages,
as well as punitive damages, court costs and attorney's fees.

David B. Smith, the Greensboro attorney representing Owens, said Friday
that he was not aware of Woodall's response and would not comment further.

In his response, Woodall said he will cooperate to reach a settlement.

"Woodall further apologizes to Mr. Owens, David Smith and the court for his
actions. While it is tragic that Woodall's conduct resulted in much pain to
many people and law enforcement, Woodall has accepted a faithful walk with
the Lord Jesus Christ and hopes many will learn from his mistakes," he said.

Hege has not responded to the lawsuit.