Pubdate: Fri, 24 Oct 2003
Source: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (MS)
Copyright: 2003 Journal Publishing Company
Contact:  http://www.djournal.com/djournal/site/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/823
Author: Jennifer Farish

PLANTERSVILLE OFFICER ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

PLANTERSVILLE - A police officer who works as a school resource officer was 
being held Thursday on $1 million bond after his arrest on drug charges.

Billy R. Hanna, 34, of 2101 W. Jackson St. in Tupelo, was arrested 
Wednesday after a nearly monthlong investigation by the Tupelo Police 
Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, said Lt. Chuck Bunn.

Hanna was arrested at his residence without incident, and Justice Court 
Judge John Hoyt Sheffield set his bond.

Bunn said that during the past month suspicions were raised about the 
officer relating to the illegal sale of drugs.

Hanna is charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine with intent to 
sell and sale of testosterone, a Schedule III controlled substance that is 
used as a steroid, Bunn said.

Plantersville Police Chief Bill Roberts said Hanna's primary duty was 
working as a school resource officer at Plantersville Elementary School, 
but he did work part-time as a patrol officer.

Thursday afternoon, no decision had been made on Hanna's status at the 
police department, but Roberts said he expected action to be taken during a 
city executive session Thursday night.

All items seized during the investigation will be held by the narcotics 
unit until they are returned to the city of Plantersville, Bunn said.

Police reported seizing about four grams of crystal methamphetamine, about 
20 ounces of testosterone, assorted paraphernalia and a Winchester 300 
magnum model 70 gun.

If convicted, Hanna could face up to 20 years in prison and $1,000-$250,000 
fine for the sale of testosterone and up to 30 years in prison and a 
$5,000-$1 million fine for the sale of crystal methamphetamine.
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