Pubdate: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 Source: Clarksdale Press Register (MS) Copyright: 2004, Clarksdale Press Register Contact: http://www.pressregister.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1656 Author: James Jennings Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) JURY ACQUITS OFFICER ON DRUG CHARGE A Coahoma County Circuit Court jury deliberated 20 minutes to acquit a Clarksdale police officer of drug possession charges Friday. The not-guilty verdict was returned just after noon, clearing Daryl Clark of possession of approximately two grams of powder cocaine. "The jury viewed the evidence as circumstantial," said Assistant District Attorney Michael Williams. "We respect the decision of the jury." The prosecution's key evidence was a July 18 surveillance tape from inside the Police Department that showed a bag of white powder fall out of Clark's pocket onto a hallway floor. The substance in the bag was discovered by other officers hours later and determined to be cocaine. "We introduced the tape into evidence and used it," Williams said. "The jury still found it to be circumstantial evidence." The prosecution called eight witnesses during the 11/2-day trial. Clark's defense attorney Azki Shah called no witnesses. Shah could not be reached for comment after the trail. Clark was placed on paid administrative leave by the Board of Mayor and Commissioner days after the incident. The board may decide as early as Monday whether to reinstate Clark. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin