ACCUSED OPP OFFICER OUT ON BAIL

An OPP officer busted for dealing drugs and obstructing justice has
been released on bail after spending the weekend in custody.

Maurice Morrissette, 37, of Kemptville, was freed Monday after his
brother Michael agreed to act as a surety and sign a $5,000 bond.

The Crown consented to the release after Michael Morrissette, a truck
driver from Casselman, promised to do his best to ensure his brother
complied with the terms of his release and to report any breaches to
police.

A former member of the Prescott Police Service who joined the OPP
following amalgamation, Morrissette was taken into custody Thursday
following an 18-month investigation into the drug and contraband
cigarette trade.

He's charged with trafficking and unlawful possession of marijuana in
Ottawa on September 12, 2006, along with two counts of obstructing
justice.

The first obstruction is alleged to have occurred in Prescott between
August 10 and 12, 2006, when Morrissette is accused of attempting to
obstruct the course of justice in a judicial proceeding by
transporting Mehrdad Kazikermani away from his home while he was
serving a conditional sentence.

On September 20, 2006, Morrissette is alleged to have tipped off the
occupants of 2660 MacIntosh Road in Prescott of an impending police
raid.

Kazikermani and former Prescott town police officer Bruce Perrin were
among more than a dozen individuals Morrissette is not to contact
under the conditions of his release.

Because of the obstruction charges, federal prosecutor Roderick Sonley
said the Crown is "very concerned" that Morrissette doesn't attempt to
communicate with any of the named persons.

"We don't want him to interfere with any of those individuals and
possibly try to change their testimony or have other interests,"
Sonley told the surety. "Do you understand that?"

"Yes sir," replied Morrissette.

While the pair won't be living together, Morrissette said he would
regularly call and visit his brother to ensure the accused complies
with all the conditions.

Morrissette is to reside at his home on River Road in Kemptville and
remain within a 35-kilometre radius of the town. He's to provide
police with a monthly copy of his residential phone bill and can't own
or possess a cellphone, pager or other portable communication device.

He must report to the Prescott OPP detachment five days a week and
turn over his passport and any weapons. He's not to possess or sell
illegal drugs or associate with drug dealers.

A police officer since 1993, Morrissette has been under suspension
with pay since last August when he was charged with possession of
marijuana following a traffic stop on Highway 416. Those charges are
still before the court.

His next court appearance is April 13.

Police say charges are pending against other individuals in connection
with the investigation.