Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA) 
Copyright: 1998 PG Publishing. 
Pubdate: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 
Contact:  
Website: http://www.post-gazette.com/ 
Author: Bill Moushey, Post-Gazette Staff Writer 
Note: This is the second of a 10 part series, "Win At All Costs" being
published in the Post-Gazette. The part is composed of several stories
(being posted separately). The series is also being printed in The Blade,
Toledo, OH email:  The first part of the series (posted
in three parts) is at: 
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98.n1068.a04.html
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98.n1068.a05.html
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98.n1069.a01.html

DRUG CHARGE BEATEN, BUT AT HIGH PRICE

John Gardner was a 33-year-old Pittsburgh postal employee when he was
arrested on drug charges in 1989.

Gardner had worked for seven years at the post office distribution facility
in Warrendale and had won awards for his exemplary service.

He was charged after a government informant with an expensive drug habit
talked him into buying drugs to help feed the informant’s drug habit. It
was all part of a government sting.

Two years later, a federal judge dismissed the charges, saying the
government had "acted outrageously in inducing the defendant to engage in
conduct that led to his prosecution."

By that time, Gardner had lost his job and most of his assets fighting the
case. No federal agents or prosecutors were punished.