Pubdate: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 Source: Peoria Journal Star (IL) Copyright: 2004sPeoria Journal Star Contact: http://pjstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/338 Author: Leslie Williams Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) LINCOLN POLICE OFFICER FACES MARIJUANA CHARGES LINCOLN - A Lincoln police officer likely will be arrested today after Illinois State Police found marijuana plants in her home, the Logan County State's Attorney said Wednesday. Diana R. Short, 46, of 501 N. Hamilton St. is expected to be arrested on charges of unlawful manufacturing of between 30 and 500 grams of marijuana, unlawful manufacturing of marijuana with the intent to deliver, unlawful production of marijuana plants and official misconduct. Her husband, John Short, of the same address, who is a paramedic in Logan County, will face identical charges, excluding the official misconduct charge, Huyett said. The charges are Class 3 and Class 4 felonies that carry between one- and five-year prison sentences upon conviction. They also face a fine up to $50,000. "Based on the evidence, the state's belief is this is a joint enterprise between John and Diana," Huyett said. "I regret that the situation occurred but stressed it also shows that law enforcement, though they may have allegiance for one another, will not accept wrongdoing of this magnitude." The pair were questioned Wednesday morning after a state police task force searched their home. It was unknown late Wednesday how long the task force had been investigating the Shorts' or how authorities learned of the marijuana plants being grown in their basement. The couple was released after questioning Wednesday. Huyett said he will file the charges when the Circuit Clerk's Office opens this morning, issuing warrants for their arrests. Diana Short, a seven-year veteran of the PoliceDepartment who was recently promoted to corporal from patrolman, is accused of growing between 10 and 20 marijuana plants. "They were obviously mature plants," Huyett said. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin