WALLACE OFFICER CHARGED

A Wallace police officer who authorities say led a second life as a
drug dealer faces felony charges after being taken into custody Tuesday night.

David Brown Jr., 31, was picked up following an investigation that
began last summer. He was held Wednesday in Duplin County jail on
$200,000 secured bail, according to the State Bureau of Investigation.

Brown, of Wallace, was charged with conspiracy to sell and deliver
cocaine, conspiracy to sell and deliver marijuana, robbery with a
dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Wallace police Chief Bobby Maready said Brown was a five-year veteran
of the department, assigned to road patrol duty. As an officer, he
was not involved in any narcotics-related investigations, Maready said.

Maready said he was approached several months ago with allegations
about Brown's conduct off the job.

"I received information he was

involved in criminal activities. I asked for an investigation," Maready said.

The Duplin County District Attorney's Office requested assistance
from the SBI in July. Brown was fired from his job "shortly before"
charges were filed, Maready said. The SBI was assisted by the FBI and
Wallace police in the investigation.

Maready said Brown remained on the job as the investigation proceeded.

"They were just allegations. Of course, it was only natural to put
somebody under closer scrutiny," he said.

Maready characterized Brown's conduct as an officer as "about average."

The robbery charge stems from Brown's alleged assistance in a crime
involving a Wallace business, Maready said. The drug-related charges
stem from alleged activity in and around Wallace, he said.

The Wallace Police Department has 11 full-time officers, Maready said.

"It's a big disappointment any time you have an officer do anything
like that. It was just an individual act and as soon as we were made
aware of it we notified (authorities)," Maready said. "Nobody's beyond the law."