Pubdate: Fri, 01 Oct 2004
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2004 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Chad Previch, The Oklahoman

LAW OFFICERS AMONG DOZENS ARRESTED IN DRUG CONSPIRACY

Dozens of people, including law officers and a chiropractor, have been
arrested on conspiracy to traffic a controlled and dangerous
substance, police said.

More arrests are imminent, Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Pete
Norwood said.

"It's one of those things where a lot of people were arrested and
others are giving up other people," Norwood said. "It's not just
officers but ... this is a pretty big deal."

Patrol trooper Timothy Timmons, 36, Norman police officer Kyle
Sherman, 34, and chiropractor Timothy Young, 37, were arrested
Thursday, records show.

They were arrested as part of a monthslong investigation headed by the
Drug Enforcement Agency. U.S. marshals, Oklahoma City and Norman
police officers assisted.

The investigation involved two metro-area gyms, said Chuck McNeil,
metro fugitive task force coordinator for the U.S. Marshals Service.

"We split up into teams," McNeil said. "And there were just so many
people."

He didn't have details on the two gym's involvement.

Bob Surovec, assistant special agent in charge of the Oklahoma City
DEA office, said he couldn't comment because the investigation is ongoing.

Norwood said Timmons has been suspended with pay pending an
investigation.

It's possible other officers will be arrested, Norwood said. Troopers
from the patrol's internal investigation unit are working with DEA
agents.

Norman police Lt. Tom Easley said Sherman's arrest was part of an
ongoing and widespread investigation. He declined further comment.

Suspects were still being booked late Thursday, and a complete list of
those arrested was not available.

Timmons, Sherman and Young were released from the Oklahoma County jail
after bail was posted Thursday, records show.
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