CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT TESTIFIES IN SUMMERS DRUG CASE

HINTON - First, he admitted he lied to police. Then, he said, he told the
truth. Now he's asking a Summers County jury to believe he is telling the
truth about a Hinton man accused of a drug charge. Confidential informant
Kevin D. Thompson Jr., 21, admitted his checkered past of thievery and drug
use Wednesday in Summers County Circuit Court, but said he witnessed a drug
deal Dec. 27 involving Hywatha "Dad" Carter, 54, of Hinton.

Carter was indicted by a March grand jury on a felony charge of conspiracy
to deliver crack cocaine. He is accused of arranging the transaction, not
actually exchanging the drug for money.

As the person used by State Police in the undercover sting, Thompson has
become a lightning rod for defense attacks on the cases involving 18
defendants.

Thompson testified he met Troopers Tony Reed and Z.M. Duke in November
2000. He knew he was a suspect in stealing 10 OxyContin pills, $50 cash and
a blank check from his grandfather. He said he and a cousin took the items
to buy gas to get to job interviews at Winterplace Ski Resort. "I thought I
was in some pretty serious trouble. They offered me to be a CI. So I did."

He said he was a serious drug user at the time, having just separated from
his wife after she took their child with her. He said he thought police
would dismiss the charges in return for his cooperation. "I was under the
impression they did, but they never really come out and said it."

Thompson said he arranged four buys Dec. 26. After meeting with police and
being searched, he drove to a Bellepoint residence. He was told the cocaine
shipment from Beckley hadn't arrived.

Shon Jackson offered to get some cocaine for him. Thompson said he dropped
Jackson at Hinton Area Elementary and waited for him on Second Avenue.
Carter came over and talked to him.

"I told him I was looking for a 50," which meant he wanted to buy $50 of
cocaine. Carter left and returned 15 to 20 minutes later. "He let me know
that the deal had been made." Carter turned back down the alley and met
Jackson. The two talked in the alley. Jackson came to his vehicle, got in
and gave him the cocaine.

Thompson testified he was carrying a small cassette recorder to tape the
transaction; however, the recorder ran out of tape before Carter came back
to his vehicle to inform him of the deal.

Defense attorney Barry Bruce asked Thompson if he had any proof, other than
his word, that Carter arranged the transaction. Thompson said he didn't.

Bruce noted Thompson originally lied to police about the theft at his
grandfather's home and then confessed to his role. He also noted police
never brought charges nor marijuana possession charges after finding a
joint in Thompson's car during his initial meeting to volunteer as an
informant.

Thompson said he didn't know why police never charged him.

Reed testified Thompson's grandfather didn't want to press charges. He said
an earlier speeding ticket against Thompson was dismissed so he could keep
his driver's license and work as an informant.

Jackson, the man with whom Carter allegedly conspired, pleaded guilty Sept.
28 to delivery of crack cocaine. He reportedly left town Monday night
before police could serve him with a subpoena and will not be available to
testify.

Testimony is scheduled to continue at 9 a.m. today.