MPD K9 OFFICER FACES CHARGES AFTER DRUG RAID

A drug raid at the Clarke County home of a Meridian police officer
turned up narcotics, drug paraphernalia and several handguns.

Police Chief Benny DuBose said today that criminal charges will be
brought against Donald Morgan, a K9 handler.

"On Friday, May 3, Officer Morgan was discovered in his police
vehicle in a disoriented state," DuBose said.

Morgan was on duty at the time. He was transported to a local hospital.

DuBose said while drugs are used in the training of police dogs, a
search of Morgan's patrol car turned up several bottles of
unauthorized narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Morgan was placed on
administrative leave and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force was
notified.

"An immediate inventory was conducted on the K9 training supplies and
it was discovered that a quantity of items were missing from the
safe," DuBose said.

Meridian police officers and Clarke County deputies searched Morgan's
home about noon on Sunday.

"Some of the narcotics taken (in the search) are believed to be those
discovered missing from the inventory of drugs which are used for K9
training," DuBose said.

After Sunday's search, Morgan was suspended without pay pending
termination. He was in the custody of the Clarke County Sheriff's
Department.