VETERAN SARASOTA COP QUITS AFTER FAILED DRUG TEST

SARASOTA -- A 19-year police veteran resigned during an internal
investigation after he failed a random drug test.

Sarasota police Officer Mark DeFraties wrote in a letter to Chief
Peter Abbott this year that his job was the most important thing in his life.

DeFraties wrote, "I throw myself at your mercy and hope you are able
to forgive me as well."

DeFraties admitted to smoking marijuana on Christmas Day. The
department held random drug screenings the next day, and DeFraties
told his supervisor that he would fail the test.

He submitted his letter of resignation Jan. 4.

Chief Abbott said DeFraties will lose his state law enforcement classification.

The department's findings were sent to the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement.

"Obviously when an officer does not pass a random drug screening,
it's a tragedy for everyone," Abbott said. "The public puts so much
trust in us, it's just a tragic situation. There are safeguards in
place to protect the highest level of integrity."

DeFraties was hired in 1988 as a patrol officer.

Before he resigned, DeFraties patrolled an area from the bayfront to
Lockwood Ridge Road.

He had received several letters of appreciation from the city for his
years of service.

DeFraties was suspended for three days in 2003 after a supervisor
said he was unprofessional during a missing person's investigation
and he also left his shift early without permission.

DeFraties had been criticized most of his career at the department
for not being self-motivated and enthusiastic, personnel records showed.

He had never failed a drug test and said his depression caused him to
smoke marijuana.

"On the few occasions I thought I would not be able to handle things
any longer I resorted to marijuana," DeFraties wrote. "It was the
only thing that helped me cope when I felt there was no hope."