Pubdate: Fri, 03 Nov 2006 Source: Tampa Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2006 The Tribune Co. Contact: http://www.tbo.com/news/opinion/submissionform.htm Website: http://www.tampatrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446 Author: Anthony McCartney, The Tampa Tribune Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States) DEPUTY MISUSED PILLS, AUTHORITIES SAY BARTOW - An investigation into a detention deputy's use of prescription drugs has ensnared eight of her colleagues, plus a major. Lena J. Reeves, 37, is accused of getting fellow employees to trade or give her prescription drugs, including Vicodin and hydrocodone, which she then misused, according to a Polk County Sheriff's Office statement. Reeves was charged with one count of conspiracy for unlawful compensation involving official behavior, a third-degree felony. According to a report released by the agency, Reeves sometimes paid for the pills and was involved in sexual relationships with some of her colleagues who provided pills from personal prescriptions. She admitted to misusing prescription drugs, and was charged in an incident in which she got a co-worker to leave work to retrieve pills for her use, according to the statement. Prosecutors concluded eight of her colleagues each "committed at least one felony involving drug abuse, conspiracy, solicitation and or official misconduct," according to a letter from the state attorney's office. The incidents span more than seven years, although Reeves said in an interview with detectives that she had been addicted to pain medication since shortly after joining the agency in 1990. She told colleagues she needed the pills for migraines, according to a detective's report. None of those people will be charged, Assistant State Attorney Brad Copley wrote in the letter. Prosecutors said they aren't pursuing charges because they weren't confident they could prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. With the exception of Sgt. Raymond Bryant, those involved have resigned or retired, according to the sheriff's office. He was suspended Thursday. The others include detention Deputies Stacy Garrison and Belinda Yarbrough; administrative secretary Jackie Lanfair; Sgt. Randy Kremann; Lt. Rickey Grice; Deputy Malcom Kneale; and Capt. Mark DeComo. The investigation cleared two others, including Maj. Dale Tray. Tray, however, will resign Nov. 17, citing his employees' actions as the reason. Tray oversees the Polk County Jail's Security Division. He told detectives he knew of Reeves' addiction to prescription drugs but thought it was "under control," according to a report. Tray, a 26-year veteran, wrote in his resignation letter that "too many situations have occurred while I was in command that I was not aware of but should have been." Scott Wilder, an agency spokesman, said in a statement that at no time was jail security threatened by the deputy's actions. Reeves was released after posting $1,000 bail. She was hired in 1990 and retired Oct. 23. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom