Pubdate: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 Source: Meriden Record-Journal, The (CT) Copyright: 2002, The Record-Journal Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.record-journal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/555 Author: Rachel R. Makwana Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption) SERGEANT KNEW OF HOME DRUG ACTIVITY Internal Investigation Report On Perry Made Public A state police internal investigation report released last week found that Police Sgt. William T. Perry was aware of alleged drug activity at his home. Yet, despite that knowledge, the 101-page report stated, "Sgt. William Perry allowed this activity to continue with limited intervention." The report was released to the Record-Journal last week after the state Freedom of Information Commission ruled last month that it fell under the Freedom of Information Act's definition of a public document. Sgt. Paul Kenefick, who wrote the report, concluded that the sergeant attempted to help his wife and family while struggling to maintain his role as a police officer. But the report concludes that as a result of his personal struggle at home, Sgt. Perry violated numerous Police Department regulations. The Police Commission initiated the internal investigation following the drug arrest of Sgt. Perry's wife, Hope, on Sept. 25, 2000. Specifically, it was Police Commissioner Henry Forgione who jump-started the investigation, in November 2001, to avoid the appearance of improprieties. "It's obvious I know she smoked, she has a problem," Sgt. Perry told state police Sgt. Ed Gould during an interview. "I was trying my best to get her under control to hopefully get the help that she needs, all right." The report states that Sgt. Perry appeared frustrated when talking to state police. Sgt. Perry also explained the reasons his wife began to use marijuana almost two years ago, how she hid her habit and how on one occasion, she had denied using marijuana with friends while at a party when questioned by her husband. State police began its criminal investigation Sept. 22, 2000, after a report by the state Department of Children and Families on the alleged drug activity at the Perry home on 251 Rolling Hill Lane. On Sept. 25, 2000, two state police investigators went to Southington police headquarters to notify Sgt. Perry of the investigation. Sgt. Perry gave written consent for state police to search his home without a warrant. That night, investigators with the Eastern District Major Crime Squad searched the house, with Sgt. Perry and his wife present. Police reported that they "immediately smelled a strong, distinct odor of marijuana," when entering the home. Police seized more than three pounds of marijuana, pipes, a scale, small plastic bags and several marijuana plants drying in the basement. They allegedly found a plant growing in the back yard. Hope Perry told police it was all hers, and that her husband was not involved. Pictures of the items seized are included in the report. Furthermore, the report states that Sgt. Perry, the son of retired Police Chief William B. Perry, described his wife as "slick," a woman who didn't tell him everything because of his position with the Police Department. But Sgt. Perry also said he had suspicions about her habit, and that she used marijuana to relieve the pain of various medical conditions. After the drug raid, Hope Perry was charged with illegal possession of marijuana, cultivating marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is still behind bars at the York Correctional Institute in Niantic. She's been there since October, after officials at New Britain Superior Court ordered her locked up with bond for being "uncooperative." In the report, Sgt. Perry said he had noticed Hope Perry's "garden" in the back yard during the spring of 2000, and had mowed down the marijuana plants. Sgt. Perry told state police investigators he had no knowledge of the plants in the basement. But the police concluded that there was no attempt to hide the "large amounts of marijuana hanging from the rafters in the basement," and all items seized were "in plain view." Former Chief Perry could not be reached for comment, but in the report, he said that Hope Perry's drug habit might've started after his wife's death in 1999, which his daughter-in-law took hard. The retired chief said that, although there was no evidence that Hope Perry was using drugs, he still asked his son to keep an eye on her and suggested counseling for her. Further, he explained, if he knew about the alleged marijuana garden at 251 Rolling Hill Lane, he would've arrested Hope Perry. William B. Perry said his son has worked hard to deal with the family issues. William Palmieri, president of Local 333 of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, said Friday he hasn't read the report. "That issue is a past issue. I would prefer to talk about the future then the past," Palmieri said. "Right now we (the department) have the chance to make changes." Palmieri would not elaborate on the changes. Police Commission Chairman Reno Pelletier echoed Palmieri. "I have no comment on the report," Pelletier said. "I made my peace on that and made my case when the situation was before us. I no longer want to talk about it and we have to move on." As a result of the internal investigation report, Sgt. Perry was issued a 30-day suspension by the commission after it reviewed its findings in a two-hour executive session on Feb. 22, 2001. The term of Sgt. Perry's suspension is 15 days without pay, which can be taken in three-day increments over the course of five months. The 15 days left over would be held in abeyance within two calendar years. When the commission made its decision, Pelletier told the Record-Journal, he suggested Sgt. Perry be demoted. Union lawyer John Walsh of New Haven said following the decision that the discipline was too excessive and didn't fit the report's conclusion. Walsh didn't return repeated phone calls last week. Sgt. Perry, when contacted Friday, said he couldn't comment on the report. - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel