Pubdate: Fri, 29 Aug 2003
Source: Macon Telegraph (GA)
Copyright: 2003 The Macon Telegraph Publishing Company
Contact:  http://www.macontelegraph.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/667
Author: Becky Purser

SECOND HOUSTON SHERIFF'S DEPUTY FIRED FOR DRUG USE

'No Excuse For An Officer Using Cocaine,' Says Sheriff Talton

Another Houston County sheriff's deputy has been fired for drug use.

Deputy Mike Roberts, 41, an eight-year member of the sheriff's office, was 
initially placed on suspension with pay Aug. 13 pending the outcome of a 
drug test, said Sheriff Cullen Talton.

Roberts was ordered to take the test after he cited the 5th Amendment of 
the U.S. Constitution in a divorce proceeding and did not answer a question 
from his wife's attorney on whether he used drugs, Talton said.

Roberts allegedly admitted to the drug use when questioned about it by 
Chief Deputy Willie Talton and was immediately suspended, Sheriff Talton 
said. The test results came back Aug. 21, showing a positive test for 
cocaine, Sheriff Talton said.

Roberts was called in Aug. 22 and terminated, Sheriff Talton said.

Under the sheriff's office's appeals process, Roberts had 10 days to seek 
an appeal and has done so, Sheriff Talton said.

Departmental policy calls for the chief deputy to make the final decision 
on any disciplinary action, while the sheriff is called upon to hear any 
appeals of that disciplinary action.

Sheriff Talton said he won't make a final decision until he hears the 
appeal. But he also said, "To me, there's no excuse for an officer using 
cocaine."

The internal appeal is set for Tuesday, Sheriff Talton said.

Roberts allegedly told Chief Deputy Talton he turned to drugs to help him 
cope while going through the divorce, Sheriff Talton said.

No criminal charges have been brought against Roberts, Sheriff Talton said.

Roberts' termination comes on the heels of another drug-related firing of a 
sheriff's deputy.

Sgt. Gerald "Mickey" Dees, a 22-year veteran investigator for the sheriff's 
department, was fired July 30 after he tested positive for crystal meth in 
his system.

The blood test was immediately ordered when Dees wrecked a police car while 
on duty July 11 and was suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, 
Chief Deputy Talton said. The Georgia State Patrol worked the wreck, and no 
criminal charges were filed against Dees.

The actions against Roberts and Dees will be reported to the Georgia Peace 
Officer Standards and Training Council. If the council revokes the 
officers' certification, neither can serve in law enforcement in Georgia. 
Law enforcement agencies are required under state law to notify POST of any 
disciplinary action against its officers within 10 days of the action.
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