Pubdate: Wed, 16 May 2001
Source: Galveston County Daily News (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Galveston Newspapers, Inc
Contact:  http://www.galvnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/164
Author: Morghan Martell

LA MARQUE OFFICER ARRESTED

LA MARQUE -- A police officer was arrested Tuesday on charges that he 
exchanged drugs for sex.

Officer Scott Michael Payne, 31, was charged with official oppression and 
delivery of a controlled substance.

Payne was released from the county jail after posting a $10,000 bond.

Payne could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Police Chief Ed Goad also 
was not available for comment Tuesday afternoon. The police department did 
not release any information on potential disciplinary action.

Investigators received a tip from a woman confidant that prompted the 
investigation, said Freddie Poor, chief sheriff's deputy.

"This is a spontaneous thing that occurred," Poor said. "It came up very 
quickly."

The situation started at a parking lot in the 1800 block of Magnolia Street 
shortly after midnight, Poor said.

Payne was on duty, working the night watch, a shift that runs from 10 p.m. 
to 6 a.m., when he was arrested at the police station, Poor said.

Officers seized what they believe was crack cocaine, Poor said.

Payne posted bond and was released from the county jail at 3:48 a.m., Poor 
said.

Authorities are investigating where the crack was originally obtained.

To make the arrest, agents with the county's Narcotics Task Force, combined 
forces with the La Marque Police Department, the Dickinson Police 
Department's criminal investigation division, and the Sheriff's Office, a 
Task Force report indicates.
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