EX-DEPUTY CONVICTED ON DRUG, GUN CHARGE

PORTSMOUTH - A former Roanoke County sheriff's deputy was convicted of
possession of cocaine and a firearm, a crime that carries a minimum
five-year sentence.

Damany King, 32, of Roanoke was authorized to have his service revolver in
his car with him, but once drugs were found as well, he was in violation of
the law on drugs and guns.

Roanoke Sheriff's Capt. Barry Tayloe testified Thursday that King had been
employed with the department for less than a week when he went to
Portsmouth and was arrested July 20.

King had pulled over to solicit oral sex from a prostitute when police
approached, according to evidence presented in court. Police spotted two
bags containing cocaine on the passenger floorboard and found King's
service weapon in the vehicle's trunk.

King, who was fired four days after his arrest, was released on bond until
he is sentenced March 11.