Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 Source: Meridian Star, The (MS) Copyright: 2002 Meridian Star Contact: http://www.meridianstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1698 Author: Suzanne Monk, Managing Editor POLICE OFFICER FIRED AFTER DRUG ARREST APPEALS TERMINATION Don Morgan, a K9 officer fired from the Meridian Police Department after a drug raid at his Clarke County home, has appealed his termination to the Civil Service Commission. Police Chief Benny DuBose said Morgan was discovered in a "disoriented state" on May 3. He was on duty and in his police vehicle at the time. Morgan was transported to a local hospital, DuBose said, and a search of his vehicle turned up several bottles of unauthorized narcotics and drug paraphernalia. "An immediate inventory was conducted on the K9 training supplies and it was discovered that a quantity of items were missing from the safe," DuBose said. A subsequent search of Morgan's home turned up more illegal drugs. "Some of the narcotics taken (in the search) are believed to be those discovered missing from the inventory of drugs used for K9 training." Morgan was charged May 6 by the Clarke County Sheriff's Department with illegal possession of cocaine and illegal possession of crystal methamphetamine. Morgan filed an appeal of his termination with the Meridian Civil Service Commission on June 6. He had served on the MPD for almost four years and was a senior patrolman. He is represented by William E. Ready, and lists as the basis for his appeal "erroneous basis" and "unlawful application of law and/or rules." No copy of his termination letter was attached, but the appeal lists 21 potential witnesses who might be called at a public hearing into that matter. All but one are police officers - including those who conducted the search at his home. Morgan has asked that further action in his appeal be delayed until after the criminal charges against him have been resolved. His case is expected to be presented to a Clarke County grand jury in July. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake