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.
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