Pubdate: Thu, 21 Aug 2003
Source: Beaumont Enterprise (TX)
Copyright: 2003 Beaumont Enterprise
Contact:  http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1024
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?228 (Paraphernalia)

ASSISTANT DA COULD FACE MORE CHARGES FOR DRUG POSSESSION

An East Texas assistant district attorney out on bond could face
additional charges after more than two pounds of prescription drugs
were found in his car.

Michael Hamilton Rodgers, 53, posted bond Wednesday after being
arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of
drug paraphernalia.

Rodgers had been employed with the DA's office since July 1 and was
still within his probationary period, said Van Zandt County District
Attorney Leslie Poynter Dixon. He has been fired from his job, the
Tyler Morning Telegraph reported in its Thursday editions.

Rodgers was arrested Tuesday after causing a five car wreck. When
emergency workers brought Rodgers into an ambulance, they took a bag
out of his shirt pocket and placed it on a table. Rodgers refused
treatment and left the ambulance, but did not take the bag, DPS
officials said.

Paramedics found the bag while cleaning the ambulance, and turned it
into Tyler police.

DPS officials searched Rodgers' vehicle Tuesday evening, and found "an
abundance" of prescription medication.

"More than two pounds _ that's a lot of pills," said DPS Sgt. Jeff
Wimberly.

Since Rodgers was arrested before the prescription pills were found,
other charges could be pending and Rodgers could be arrested again,
Wimberly said. "We're waiting for the lab tests to come back on the
type and quantity," he said. "The tests will determine how that will
be handled."

DPS Trooper Jason Matura investigated the accident and said Rodgers
was not believed to be under the influence at the time of the wreck.
No one was seriously injured.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin