Pubdate: Fri, 19 Oct 2001
Source: Houston Chronicle (TX)
Section: Metropolitan, Front page
Copyright: 2001 Houston Chronicle Publishing Company Division, Hearst Newspaper
Contact:  http://www.chron.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/198
Author: Carol Christian
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption)

EX-COP GETS PRISON IN DRUG CASE

A former Houston police officer caught in a drug sting two years ago was 
sentenced Thursday to 40 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for possession 
of cocaine with intent to distribute it.

Frank S. Ferguson, 54, also was sentenced to 10 years in prison for 
burglary in connection with the crime. The sentences are to be served 
concurrently.

"I'm extremely impressed with this jury's deliberation and verdict," said 
prosecutor Philip Grant. "I think justice happened today."

Defense attorney Charles Brink, noting that Ferguson would appeal, said he 
was disappointed that witnesses during the sentencing phase were not 
allowed to say more about what he called the defendant's good qualities. 
The charges stemmed from a multiagency sting Oct. 21, 1999, in which 
Ferguson and five others were accused of stealing about five kilograms of 
cocaine and $50,000. Houston police Lt. Dennis Gafford testified that the 
cocaine had a street value of at least $1 million.

The six also included Pasadena deputy marshals Troy South and Keith Wagner; 
reserve deputy marshal Danny Wagner, brother of Keith; a third Wagner 
brother, former Galena Park officer Michael Joe Wagner; and Eric Jon 
Gibson, a reputed drug dealer from Spring.

Keith Wagner was convicted in February and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Michael Wagner and Gibson have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. 
Cases against Danny Wagner and South are pending.

Ferguson was paid $10,000 for his role in the crime and a previous theft, 
Gibson testified.
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