Pubdate: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) Copyright: 1999, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact: 414-224-8280 Website: http://www.jsonline.com/ Forum: http://www.jsonline.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimate.cgi Author: David Doege of the Journal Sentinel staff BRIBE OF CRACK ALLEGED FOR EX-COURT CASEWORKER Drug-for-favor Cited In Complaint Thought To Be An Isolated Incident A former municipal court caseworker who allegedly accepted a crack cocaine bribe in exchange for a favorable recommendation in a suspected drug dealer's cases is to appear in Circuit Court Thursday on a felony drug charge. Gregory K. Henderson, the former caseworker, made the bribery admission after he was arrested last week for drinking in public and carrying five rocks of crack in his coat pocket, according to a criminal complaint. Henderson volunteered that he was carrying crack during his arrest on the intoxicants charge. He also told police that he bought some of his crack from a man who gave him 4 grams of crack for a favorable recommendation in his municipal court cases, the complaint says. The man ultimately received the community service time he hoped for in lieu of a jail term, but Milwaukee Municipal Court Presiding Judge James A. Gramling Jr. said the disposition was not uncommon for such a case. Gramling also said that Henderson's former role in the municipal court process was merely to suggest sentencing alternatives to judges, who have the final say on sentencing day. "This had nothing to do with the merits of the case," Gramling said. "Also, I can say that all indications are that there were no other defendants involved. "Personally, I am saddened by the news of his arrest." Henderson, 42, of the 3100 block of W. Wells St., is scheduled to appear in Circuit Court Thursday for a preliminary hearing on a felony charge of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. The arrest occurred Thursday in the 3400 block of W. Wells St. After he was taken into custody, according to the complaint, Henderson outlined his relationship with the defendant who wound up paying him the crack bribe. Henderson explained that the man, whom he suspected was a drug dealer, faced fines of up to $1,600 and jail time of up to 50 days. Gramling said the man's cases concerned littering, excessive noise and obstructing an officer. At the time, Henderson was employed by Wisconsin Correctional Services and was assigned as a caseworker who recommends sentencing alternatives when appropriate in municipal court. Wisconsin Correctional Services is a non-profit agency that provides a variety of justice system functions on a contract basis at the state and local levels. Gramling said that the agency's municipal court caseworkers provide important information about when alternatives to incarceration or fines are warranted, typically for indigent defendants. Henderson insisted that he has "never accepted anything of value" from anyone other than the suspected drug dealer, according to the complaint. Henderson also maintained that the community service time was deserved in the man's case, according to the complaint. When he was arrested, Henderson said, he and a friend were on their way to a crack house, hoping to hook up with prostitutes and barter crack for sex, the complaint says. The felony charge issued against Henderson carries a prison term of up to 10 years. Henderson was free on a signature bond Tuesday night. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart