Pubdate: Wed, 21 Nov 2001
Source: Quad-City Times (IA)
Copyright: 2001 Quad-City Times
Contact:  http://www.qctimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/857
Author: Marc Chase
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption)

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.
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MAP posted-by: GD