EX-OFFICER PLEADS INNOCENT

Former Davenport police vice squad commander Sgt. Greg Collins pleaded
innocent Tuesday to felony charges alleging that he used his position to
steal at least $5,559.75 in property seized by his vice team in drug cases.

Collins faces 11 criminal counts, including four felony theft, fraud and
misconduct charges. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, or DCI,
and the state Attorney General's office leveled the charges last month
following an 18-month investigation into Collins' handling of seized cash
and property.

Collins, a 22-year veteran of the department, was fired in July 2000 after
separate investigations by the Davenport police internal affairs office and
the Quad-City Times.

His arraignment on those charges lasted about five minutes Tuesday and then
he hustled from the Scott County District Courthouse, declining to comment
about the matter. His trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 22.

Some of the charges include allegations that Collins:

Obtained title to a seized 1985 Chevrolet - valued at $2,600 - on June 1,
1999, and then disposed of the vehicle for his own personal gain.

Committed fraud by falsifying public records between April 1, 1999, and
Jan. 15, 2000.

Sold $989 worth of seized jewelry on June 15, 1996, and then another $400
in jewelry on Aug. 24, 1995.

Intentionally disposed of or misappropriated $670.75 worth of abandoned
bicycles obtained by the police department.

Collins remains free on pre-trial release.