Pubdate: Sat, 10 Jan 2004
Source: Hattiesburg American (MS)
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Copyright: 2004 Hattiesburg American
Contact:  http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1646
Author: Antoinette Konz

HATTIESBURG MAN TO LEAD DRUG AGENCY

Hattiesburg resident and former U.S. Attorney George Phillips was appointed
Friday to lead the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

"During the campaign, I said that the explosion of crime in Mississippi is
driven by drug crime," said Gov.-elect Haley Barbour, who announced
Phillips' appointment. "I have asked George Phillips to lead MBN because of
his background and extensive qualifications for the job." Phillips, 54, said
he is excited to have the opportunity to make a difference.

"Most of my career has been in law enforcement. It will be very nice to get
back into it. I am looking forward to working with the police chiefs and
sheriffs of this area, as well as from across the state," he said.

Barbour said Phillips will be a key part of the team that Rusty Fortenberry,
the new Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, will be leading to
re-focus the narcotics bureau and other elements of the department to help
local law enforcement.

Phillips is a Fulton native but has lived in Hattiesburg since 1969 when he
attended the University of Southern Mississippi. He was the U.S. Attorney
for south Mississippi from 1980 to 1994. He plans to live in Hattiesburg
while serving as narcotics bureau chief.

If confirmed by the Senate, Phillips will replace former television
executive Frank Melton.

Phillips said he spoke with Melton Friday and will meet with him next week.

Several friends and former colleagues of Phillips said they were pleased to
hear of his appointment.

"He's a first-class man, I know he'll do a great job," said Forrest County
Chief Deputy Charles Bolton. "And he's a hometown guy. It'll be nice to have
a friend up there from the Hattiesburg area."

Former Lamar County Sheriff Marvin Breazeale worked with Phillips when
Breazeale was a U.S. marshal and Phillips was the U.S. Attorney.

"We go way back, even before the federal system when I was sheriff in the
1970s and he was the county attorney for Forrest County," Breazeale said.
"He's a great man and I think he'll do a great job."

Forrest County District Attorney Jon Mark Weathers called Phillips "an
excellent lawyer."

"He'll do a great job as head of the bureau, he'll bring it back up to where
it's supposed to be and I look forward to working with him again. He'll be a
great asset to law enforcement," Weathers said.
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