Pubdate: Mon, 24 Mar 2003
Source: Courier-Journal, The (KY)
Copyright: 2003 The Courier-Journal
Contact:  http://www.courier-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/97
Author: Gregory A. Hall
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)

FORMER NARCOTICS DETECTIVE GETS 20 YEARS IN CORRUPTION CASE

Mark Watson Had Requested Probation

Former metro narcotics detective Mark Watson received a 20-year prison 
sentence this morning for his role in one of the biggest police corruption 
cases ever in Jefferson County, then waved to supporters as he left the 
courtroom.

Minutes before, Watson nodded his head as Jefferson Circuit Judge Steve 
Mershon imposed the sentence, the result of a plea agreement in which 
Watson admitted to 299 felonies and three misdemeanors.

Watson admitted creating bogus search warrants with photocopies of judges' 
signatures; obtaining warrants by using fraudulent affidavits; and 
obtaining payments for informants who said they never received the money.

Watson had requested probation, but Mershon refused, saying Watson's 
fabricated search warrants and citations deepened the community's mistrust 
of police and "wreaked complete havoc on the court system."

Watson will ask for shock probation in 30 to 60 days. If Mershon doesn't 
grant that, the former detective would be eligible for parole in about four 
years.

Watson had testified against his partner, Christie Richardson, as part of 
his plea bargain. A jury convicted her of 20 felonies and a misdemeanor.

Richardson's sentencing is scheduled for April 25. A jury recommended a 
one-year prison sentence; she is eligible for probation.

Watson's lawyer, Mary Sharp, told Mershon that Watson deserved probation 
because he admitted his crimes, helped the prosecution in Richardson's 
trial and is heavily involved with his family, his church and charitable 
organizations.

"The negative has been our focus, but we need to look at the good too," she 
said.

Prosecutor Scott Davis said probation would not amount to justice for the 
serious offenses Watson committed.

"It's not even a close call," said Davis, an assistant commonwealth's 
attorney. "Mr. Watson's crimes are of the most serious constitutional 
magnitude."
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