EX-POLICE OFFICER CONVICTED

No Contest Plea Entered To 1 Misdemeanor Drug Charge

A former Toledo police officer charged with five drug offenses pleaded no
contest yesterday to one amended drug charge during a preliminary hearing
in Toledo Municipal Court.

Mark Gant, 40, was found guilty of misdemeanor permitting drug abuse, which
was amended from a felony charge of possession of cocaine powder.

Four other misdemeanor charges - two counts of drug possession and one
count each of permitting drug abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia -
were dismissed during the hearing before Judge C. Allen McConnell.

Mr. Gant must undergo an alcohol and drug assessment. He was referred to
adult probation. He is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 8.

Jerome Phillips, Mr. Gant's attorney, called the outcome an "appropriate
resolution."

"[Mr. Gant] suffered a greater penalty. He lost his job as a result of the
charges," Mr. Phillips said.

Mr. Gant resigned effective Aug. 13 after nearly 18 years on the force. He
was hired in 1984 and most recently served as a uniformed officer in the
community services section. Mr. Phillips said Mr. Gant will be looking for
other employment.

Mr. Gant was arrested April 19. The charges stemmed from a weeks-long
investigation of drug abuse whose main target was another man.

Mr. Gant was arrested after a search of his North Toledo residence.

Police charged Jonathon Bryant, 38, who lives in Mr. Gant's home, with
felony drug offenses. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23 in
Toledo Municipal Court.