Pubdate: Fri, 09 May 2003 Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS) Copyright: 2003 The Clarion-Ledger Contact: http://www.clarionledger.com/about/letters.html Website: http://www.clarionledger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/805 Author: Associated Press Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) FORMER OFFICER GETS PROBATION No Jail Time On Drug Charges, Judge Rules A former Meridian police officer has pleaded guilty to drug charges but will not serve jail time if he can successfully complete his probation. Don Morgan received a five-year, non-adjudicated sentence Tuesday from Circuit Judge Robert Bailey, Clarke County Circuit Clerk Beth Doggett said. The non-adjudication means that Morgan will not be jailed and his record can be erased if he successfully completes his probation. The judge also assessed a $1,000 fine and court costs. Morgan was found in his patrol car in what Police Chief Benny DuBose called a "disoriented" state May 3, 2002. DuBose said a search of Morgan's car turned up several bottles of unauthorized narcotics and drug paraphernalia. "An immediate inventory was conducted on the K9 training supplies, and it was discovered that a quantity of items were missing from the safe," DuBose said. More illegal drugs were found in a subsequent search of Morgan's home in Clarke County. Morgan was arrested and charged with illegal possession of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. He was fired almost immediately. In February 2003, a Clarke County grand jury indicted him on three criminal counts for possession. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager