Pubdate: Wed, 27 Nov 2002 Source: Thomasville Times, The (NC) Copyright: 2002, The Thomasville Times. Contact: http://www.thomasvilletimes.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1846 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?118 (Perjury) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) WOODALL ADMITS DRUG PLANT A former Davidson County narcotics officer has admitted to planting drugs in order to secure an arrest and prison sentence against a Lexington man. David Scott Woodall, a former Davidson County Sheriff's Office vice/narcotics lieutenant, has given an affidavit to former Lexington resident Terrence Maurice Barriet stating he and other DCSO officers planted crack cocaine in Barriet's residence during a May 22, 1999 execution of a search warrant. In August, Woodall was sentenced to 27 years in prison for being what U.S. District Judge William Osteen called "the ringleader" of a drug smuggling ring that also implicated two other DCSO drug officers, an Archdale police officer, a Thomasville police officer and several area citizens. Barriet, who began serving a 10-year sentence in June 2000, and Woodall are both doing time at the Federal Correctional Institute in Manchester, Ky. Barriet has filed court papers to have his sentenced vacated, and has reportedly said he told his court-appointed attorney the drugs found in his residence were planted. Barriet, who is currently serving as his own attorney, seems to be having his story corroborated by Woodall. "Terrence Maurice Barriet did not have drugs on his person or property on May 22, 1999," Woodall said in his affidavit, adding he has a "clear and detailed memory" of the events leading up to the arrest, and that they are "true and accurate" to the best of his knowledge and memory. "In order to make an arrest and charge of Terrence Maurice Barriet pass the test of indictment and trial, officers of the arrest detail manufactured evidence and testimony/statements against Terrence Maurice Barriet; to wit, planted crack cocaine in a drain plug..." Woodall's statement added that drugs were provided "to facilitate an arrest" against Barriet that would "result in a prison sentence." Woodall also said Barriet was "threatened" the night of the arrest "to not give trouble, or his wife would be victimized also." Barriet is a former jailer, but left after eight months in 1992. He claims in court documents he resigned after being falsely accused of selling drugs. However, Barriet does have a 10-year history of drug trouble with the law that includes convictions of possession of marijuana, cocaine and drug paraphernalia, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On May 22, 1999, Barriet states DCSO narcotics officers Woodall, Doug Westmoreland, William Rankin - both of whom are also serving time for their part in the drug ring - and another officer entered his Bristol Street apartment and said they found seven grams of cocaine in his car. Barriet said officers then pulled his pants to his ankles, and with Rankin pinning his head to the floor with his foot, handcuffed him. Woodall and Westmoreland then reportedly crashed into a bathroom where Barriet's children were bathing and his wife was sitting on the toilet. Finding no drugs in the house, Woodall, Westmoreland and Rankin, reportedly, crawled under the house where they said they removed a plastic bag containing 28.2 grams of cocaine from a drain plug below the toilet. State charges were filed against Barriet and his wife Michelle, however, Terrence Barriet's case was moved to federal court because of stronger sentences. Barriet was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 1999 of possession of 25.1 grams of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In Barriet's court motion, he alleges violations of Constitutional rights of unreasonable search and seizure and self-incrimination. He also alleges violations of rights of effective counsel and freedom from excessive bail. In addition, he cites the discrepancies in the amount of drugs listed in arrest reports and court documents. Despite his belief the drugs were planted, Barriet pleaded guilty to the federal indictments against him. Woodall states in his affidavit that he has read Barriet's motion and supports the facts therein, adding he is doing so freely and without any promises or threats being made. He has also said he is willing to testify in court. U.S. Attorney Anna Wagoner's office has received two 30-day extensions to respond to Barriet's motion. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl