Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jan 2005
Source: Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)
Copyright: 2005 The Commercial Appeal
Contact:  http://www.commercialappeal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/95
Author: Lawrence Buser

COP GUILTY OF CONSPIRACY

Admits Taking $4,500 to Protect Drug Deal

A Memphis police officer pleaded guilty Monday to federal drug
conspiracy charges stemming from his role in a police corruption case.

John D. Vaughan admitted accepting $4,500 in November to help provide
security for a drug deal that he didn't know involved undercover FBI
agents.

Vaughan also agreed to continue cooperating with prosecutors who say
they'll recommend he get a break when he's sentenced in May. He could
receive up to 10 years in prison.

"You put your career on the line for less than $5,000?" U.S. Dist.
Court Judge Bernice Donald asked Vaughan.

"Yes, ma'am," the 28-year-old officer replied.

Vaughan and fellow police officers David Tate, 37, and Billy Scott,
28, were charged in November in an 11-count indictment involving
bribery, drugs and corruption.

Tate, Scott and Tate's girlfriend, April Veach, were charged with
conspiring to steal $200,000 from the East Memphis home of pro
wrestler Jerry Lawler.

Vaughan wasn't charged in that plot, foiled by authorities.

Last week, Veach, 21, pleaded guilty in the burglary plot and told the
court she's expecting a baby in August.

After the hearing, her attorney said Tate is the baby's father. She
will be sentenced in May and faces up to 10 years in prison, though
prosecutors said they will recommend a lesser sentence.

Vaughan, an officer since 1999, admitted accepting $4,500 in cash from
undercover agents to help monitor a simulated drug transaction on Nov.
19.

That deal was said to involve the sale of 15 kilograms of crystal
methamphetamine to a buyer from Missouri. The money was seized by
authorities in a search of Vaughan's home two days later.

Vaughan has been suspended with pay since his arrest, but a department
spokesman said his guilty plea will be sent to the city attorney to
determine if he can be fired. Tate has resigned and Scott is suspended
with pay. 
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