Pubdate: Tue, 29 Apr 2003
Source: Times, The (LA)
Copyright: 2003 The Times
Contact:  http://www.shreveporttimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1019
Author: Larry Burton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)

EX-DEPUTY CHARGED WITH TWO FELONIES

A Bossier sheriff's narcotics agent who resigned after drugs and drug 
paraphernalia were allegedly found in a car he wrecked in October has been 
formally charged with two felonies.

Based on its review of the case, the Bossier-Webster district attorney's 
office has charged Michael Brian Keith, 31, with possession of cocaine and 
malfeasance in office through tampering with evidence, court records show.

Keith, who served seven years with the sheriff's office, is scheduled for 
arraignment June 2, the district attorney's office said Monday.

Keith was headed south on Airline Drive near East Texas Street about 10:45 
p.m. Oct. 15 when he ran off the road in his unmarked sheriff's car.

He is accused of possessing cocaine at the time of the one-car accident and 
with not timely submitting drug and drug paraphernalia evidence allegedly 
discovered in the wrecked car to the sheriff's evidence room.

"We have strict rules that such evidence must be turned in at the end of 
your shift each day" unless a supervisor has valid reasons for extending 
that time requirement, sheriff's spokesman Ed Baswell said.

It is unclear how the charges against Keith will affect any drug cases in 
which he might be a prosecution witness. "I imagine any such cases will 
have to be looked at by the DA's office," Baswell said.

District Attorney Schuyler Marvin could not be reached for comment Monday.

Keith was arrested by the Bossier sheriff's office. He faces up to five 
years in prison if convicted of the cocaine-possession charge. A conviction 
for malfeasance carries up to a three-year sentence and $10,000 fine.
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