Pubdate: Thu, 25 Nov 2004 Source: Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) Copyright: 2004 The Commercial Appeal Contact: http://www.commercialappeal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/95 Author: Sherri Drake Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States) TWO OFFICERS PLEAD NOT GUILTY No Bond Set in Case Involving Drugs, Prostitution Two Memphis police officers, dressed in orange prison jumpsuits, pleaded not guilty to prostitution and drug charges Wednesday. David Tate, 37, and Billy Scott, 28, didn't ask for bond and will remain detained. Tate, Scott and fellow officer John D. Vaughan are charged in an 11-count federal indictment. Vaughan, who hasn't entered a plea, was released on $10,000 bond. He'll be back in court next week. Tate, a policeman for 18 years, is charged with taking bribes to tip off topless nightclubs when raids were coming, ferrying prostitutes to "high-rollers" at Tunica casinos, and protecting couriers taking Ecstasy and high-grade methamphetamine to Tunica. The drug carriers, the buyer and the prostitutes were all undercover FBI agents. Tate, Scott, and female accomplice April Veach were charged Monday with conspiring to burglarize professional wrestler Jerry Lawler's East Memphis home. They targeted his house because they thought he had $200,000 stashed in a jukebox, according to the charges. Veach, 21, was released on $5,000 bond. She also pleaded not guilty Wednesday. Vaughan, 28, was charged with Tate in the drug counts. The arrests were the result of an eight-month investigation that began when - -- police say -- Tate solicited John Ligato at the Platinum Rose topless club on South Third, seeking money for tips on when the vice unit was coming. Tate was recorded in wiretaps during the FBI investigation, including conversations with Veach about breaking into Lawler's home. "I ain't goin' out like a punk. I'll stand there and trade lead with 'em," he told her. Tate resigned Monday. Scott, an officer since 1998, now assigned to Central Precinct, and Vaughan, an officer since 1999, now assigned to the Special Traffic Enforcement Unit, have been relieved of duty with pay while the investigation continues. - ---