Pubdate: Sat, 20 Apr 2002
Source: Blade, The (OH)
Copyright: 2002 The Blade
Contact:  http://www.toledoblade.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/48

CITY POLICE VETERAN FACES DRUG CHARGES AFTER SWEEP OF HOME

An almost 18-year veteran Toledo police officer was arrested yesterday on 
felony drug possession and other drug-related charges during a search of 
his residence, authorities said last night.

Officer Mark Gant, 40, was charged with possession of cocaine powder, a 
fifth-degree felony; two counts of misdemeanor drug abuse, and permitting 
drug abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia, both also misdemeanors.

He was relieved of duty with pay and booked into the Lucas County jail.

Officer Gant's arrest stemmed from a weeks-long investigation of drug abuse 
whose main target was another man. An arrest warrant for felony drug 
charges has been issued for Jonathon Bryant, 38, who lives at the officer's 
home in North Toledo, police Chief Michael Navarre said last night during a 
hastily called news conference at the Safety Building.

The chief said the investigation culminated with the search of Officer 
Gant' s home about 3:45 p.m. yesterday.

The police department's internal affairs unit will meet Monday to decide 
whether Officer Gant will continue to receive pay while he is relieved of 
duty. Hired in 1984, Officer Gant is currently a uniformed officer in the 
community services section of the operations division.

Chief Navarre said many in the police department were "shocked and 
certainly sad" about Officer Gant's arrest.

Mayor Jack Ford, who was at the news conference, said the police department 
was effectively handling the situation. The officer's arrest should not 
negatively impact the public's view of the department, he said.

"The men and women of our force are very good officers and very good 
citizens," the mayor said. "We have to take the proper steps and move on."

Officer Gant was given a 10-day suspension in 1999 after he was untruthful 
to a supervisor about firing his weapon at a car he said was trying to hit 
him. A firearms review board determined that the shooting was justified.
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