CITY POLICE VETERAN FACES DRUG CHARGES AFTER SWEEP OF HOME

An almost 18-year veteran Toledo police officer was arrested yesterday on
felony drug possession and other drug-related charges during a search of
his residence, authorities said last night.

Officer Mark Gant, 40, was charged with possession of cocaine powder, a
fifth-degree felony; two counts of misdemeanor drug abuse, and permitting
drug abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia, both also misdemeanors.

He was relieved of duty with pay and booked into the Lucas County jail.

Officer Gant's arrest stemmed from a weeks-long investigation of drug abuse
whose main target was another man. An arrest warrant for felony drug
charges has been issued for Jonathon Bryant, 38, who lives at the officer's
home in North Toledo, police Chief Michael Navarre said last night during a
hastily called news conference at the Safety Building.

The chief said the investigation culminated with the search of Officer
Gant' s home about 3:45 p.m. yesterday.

The police department's internal affairs unit will meet Monday to decide
whether Officer Gant will continue to receive pay while he is relieved of
duty. Hired in 1984, Officer Gant is currently a uniformed officer in the
community services section of the operations division.

Chief Navarre said many in the police department were "shocked and
certainly sad" about Officer Gant's arrest.

Mayor Jack Ford, who was at the news conference, said the police department
was effectively handling the situation. The officer's arrest should not
negatively impact the public's view of the department, he said.

"The men and women of our force are very good officers and very good
citizens," the mayor said. "We have to take the proper steps and move on."

Officer Gant was given a 10-day suspension in 1999 after he was untruthful
to a supervisor about firing his weapon at a car he said was trying to hit
him. A firearms review board determined that the shooting was justified.