Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jun 2002
Source: Joplin Globe, The (MO)
Copyright: 2002 The Joplin Globe
Contact:  http://www.joplinglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/859
Author:  Roger McKinney, Globe Staff Writer

PROSECUTOR FILES APPEAL

Motion Seeks Use Of Evidence In Case Against Ex-Treasurer

COLUMBUS, Kan. - A special prosecutor has appealed a judge's suppression of 
evidence in the drug case against former Cherokee County Treasurer Sharon 
Carpino.

Carpino's attorney, Edward Battitori, said Thursday that special prosecutor 
Steven Angermayer has appealed Judge John White's ruling on the evidence to 
the Kansas Court of Appeals.

White is an Allen County judge assigned to the case.

Battitori said he had talked with his client about the situation earlier in 
the day.

White ruled in February that sheriff's Deputies Roger Wormington and Mickey 
Rantz on Dec. 3, 1999, coerced Carpino into making oral and written 
statements and signing a consent to search her house. The two no longer 
work for the Sheriff's Department.

"When a law enforcement officer stoops to the level that was done in this 
case, there has to be some action taken to eliminate that activity," White 
said in his ruling, referring to Wormington.

Carpino is charged with one felony count of drug possession. White 
dismissed two other counts against her at her preliminary hearing.

The search of Carpino's house led deputies to a pipe containing 
methamphetamine residue, found in the pocket of a bathrobe. The judge's 
ruling precludes Angermayer from using that evidence, unless the appeals 
court reverses White.

Carpino has filed a $1 million lawsuit against Cherokee County, Sheriff Bob 
Creech, Rantz and Wormington, alleging they violated her civil rights. The 
lawsuit is on hold until her criminal case is resolved.

Angermayer could not immediately be reached for comment.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom