Pubdate: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 Source: Kentucky Post (KY) Copyright: 2002 Kentucky Post Contact: http://www.kypost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/661 MARIJUANA SUSPECT RESIGNS AS HEAD OF NKU FOUNDATION Suspended Friday after he was arrested and charged with selling marijuana from his home, Dr. James Alford resigned Monday as head of the Northern Kentucky University Foundation. The NKU board of regents has set a special meeting for Thursday morning, ostensibly to deal with naming an interim successor to Alford. The agenda says the session is to discuss a single personnel item in a closed session. "I'm sure there will be something related to naming an interim president this week," said NKU spokesman Chris Cole. Until then, foundation board president Clifford Borland is overseeing the organization, Cole said. Alford, 52, was arrested Thursday evening at his condominium in Highland Heights after a monthlong investigation by Highland Heights police and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force.Undercover officers said they made several drug buys from Alford. He sold small quantities of drugs from his home, they said, but none of the buyers was connected to the university. When police raided his home Thursday night, they said they confiscated about 12 ounces of marijuana, digital scales and plastic baggies used to package the drug, and a .38-caliber revolver. Alford pleaded not guilty Friday to trafficking in marijuana between eight ounces and five pounds, a felony that carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. As foundation president and chief executive officer, Alford was praised for having one of the top investment strategies in the nation. He was responsible for managing and investing millions of dollars in donations and endowments. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom