Pubdate: Sat, 16 Jul 2005
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2005 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

MADILL OFFICER FACES DRUG CHARGE

MADILL - A police officer accused of buying methamphetamine from an
undercover agent while being videotaped faces a felony drug charge in
Marshall County District Court.

Michael J. Stephenson, 50, was charged Friday with felony possession
of a controlled dangerous substance within 2,000 feet of a park,
according to Marshall County court records. He also was charged with
driving under the influence of drugs and possession of drug
paraphernalia, both misdemeanors. He was suspended with pay Thursday.

Stephenson is accused of buying $30 worth of meth from an undercover
Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agent in a park, spokesman Mark Woodward
said. The transaction was videotaped by OBN agents.

Stephenson, who has worked for the Madill Police Department since
1997, was arraigned Friday afternoon. Bail was set at $50,000.
Narcotics agents have investigated Stephenson since Madill police
received a tip about his possible drug use 2 1/2 months ago, Woodward
said. Madill Police Chief James Fullingim said he hopes Stephenson's
arrest will demonstrate to the public that he won't tolerate drug use
in the police department.

"If we receive any information, we will go investigate it," said
Fullingim, who called in the state drug agents. "If it's found to be
true, we'll take immediate and swift action and we will correct the
problem." Stephenson has worked in law enforcement in Marshall County
for 22 years, Fullingim said.
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