Pubdate: Thu, 13 Oct 2005
Source: Star-Banner, The (FL)
Copyright: 2005 The Star-Banner
Contact:  http://www.starbanner.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1533
Author: Millard K. Ives, The Star-Banner
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

OFFICER FACES DRUGS ALLEGATION

Affidavit: Dunnellon Officer Stole Drugs That Were To Be Evidence.

DUNNELLON - A 31-year-old Dunnellon police officer was arrested 
Wednesday after being accused of stealing drugs that were supposed to 
be seized for evidence.

The arrest was a culmination of a two-month investigation by the 
Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Marion County Sheriff's 
Office and the Dunnellon Police. Police were suspicious that Brian 
Dean had been taking narcotics obtained from his investigations and using them.

According to an arrest affidavit, the six-year officer found 26 
baggies containing marijuana and $165 in a pick-up truck on Sept. 29, 
after being dispatched to the vehicle on a fake call by law 
enforcement officers who were watching him with video surveillance.

But Dean reportedly only turned in the money and 25 of the bags. 
Investigators said they found the missing bag of marijuana in a flash 
light in a box in Dean's trunk.

Dean was immediately suspended and resigned the next day. On 
Wednesday, the State Attorney's Office filed charges of felony 
official misconduct and possession of cannabis (less than 20 grams), 
which is a misdemeanor. He was in the Citrus County Jail on Wednesday 
in lieu of $2,500 bail.

"He violated the public trust," said Capt. Dennis Strow, spokesman 
for the Sheriff's Office.

The Gainesville Police Department and the Citrus County Sheriff's 
Office also worked the investigation.

Although Dean was allegedly caught with the drugs Sept. 29, officials 
said at the time he was not taken into custody, pending further 
investigation. Strow said Wednesday they needed more information to 
determine the charges.

About three months ago, Police Chief Bob Jackson contacted FDLE 
because he suspected that Dean was involved in illegal activity. 
Strow added more charges could be pending.

"This could be like opening up Pandora's Box," Strow said.

In a press release on Sept. 29, Jackson said, "It hurts to think that 
one of my officers crossed the line and now faces possible criminal 
charges. However, the actions of one officer should not reflect on 
the professionalism of the dedicated officers serving the city of Dunnellon."
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