Pubdate: Thu, 01 Jul 1999 Source: Connecticut Post (CT) Copyright: 1999sConnecticut Post Contact: 410 State St., Bridgeport, CT 06604 Website: http://www.ctpost.com/ Author: Joel C. Thompson, Staff writer EX-OFFICER CHARGED IN DRUG SALES BRIDGEPORT -- A former city police officer, facing a charge of insurance fraud, was arrested Wednesday on drug charges in the sale of anabolic steroids in Milford. Judd Lezotte, 39, of Bronx Avenue, was arrested on warrants in his third-floor apartment by state narcotics officers. He is charged with two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and sale of a controlled substance. Sgt. Blake Stine of the South Central Statewide Narcotics Task Force said the warrants are part of seven-month investigation with Milford detectives. He said Lezotte twice sold steroids to an undercover officer. Stine said Lezotte, identifying himself as "J.L.," used fliers to advertise the steroids and used a pager and Monroe post office box. The steroids are controlled substances some athletes have used illegally in body or strength building or to enhance performance in sports. When task force members and state troopers arrived at Lezotte's apartment at 10 a.m., he refused to open the door. Stine said officers heard a toilet flush and smelled smoke coming from the apartment. Armed with a search warrant, they broke down the door and arrested Lezotte after a brief struggle, Stine said. Police said officers seized numerous items, including liquid steroids and syringes, a computer system, sales records, a security camera and monitor, a police scanner with transmitting capability and $1,200. Also seized were 13 weapons including handguns, rifles and shotguns, police said. Lezotte could face more charges, Stine said. Lezotte was a Bridgeport police officer for 10 years. He was arrested in May 1998 on a charge of attempted second-degree larceny in an insurance fraud case. Police had investigated claims that Lezotte sought insurance compensation for motorcycle accidents under false pretenses. Lezotte resigned from the department last July. Last September, Lezotte was granted accelerated rehabilitation, meaning the larceny charge would be wiped from his record if he was not arrested during two years of probation. On the drug charges, Lezotte is being held in lieu of a $10,000 cash bond in the Milford Police Department lockup. He will be arraigned today in Milford Superior Court. Joel C. Thompson, who covers law enforcement issues, can be reached at 330-6377. - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck