Pubdate: Fri, 03 Jun 2005
Source: Sun Herald (MS)
Copyright: 2005, The Sun Herald
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432
Author: Robin Fitzgerald

BILOXI OFFICER SOLD DRUGS, HAD ECSTASY, POLICE CHARGE

BILOXI - A veteran Biloxi police officer, the son of a former city police
chief, is accused of selling Ecstasy and having the illegal drug in his
beachfront home.

Darrell Cvitanovich Jr., 35, was in custody late Thursday in a protective
unit at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center after his arrest.

The patrol and K-9 officer has worked at the Biloxi Police Department for
more than 10 years. Police officials have placed him on administrative
leave, said Capt. Pat Pope, commander of the Coastal Narcotics Enforcement
Team.

Ecstasy, also know as MDMA, is an illegal stimulant known as a "club drug"
because of its association with all-night dances or parties known as raves.

"We have no reason to believe any other police officer was involved," said
Pope.

The officer's father, D.D. Cvitanovich Sr., is a retired state trooper who
served as the city's public safety director from 1989 to 1993 during the
administration of Mayor Pete Halat.

CNET received information about two weeks ago accusing Cvitanovich of
illegal drug activity, said Pope. CNET notified Biloxi police officials,
whose narcotics officers assisted in the investigation along with state
Bureau of Narcotics agents.

It wasn't clear when the alleged drug sale took place or how much Ecstasy
the case involves.

"We have established that he sold a controlled substance on a particular
date at a particular time, and that is all I can say," Pope said.

Cvitanovich lives on Beach Boulevard, or U.S. 90, near Porter Avenue and the
Public Safety Center built after his father left the agency.

Pope said Cvitanovich was home when agents went in with a search warrant and
an arrest warrant on Thursday afternoon. Agents found Ecstasy and a small
amount of meth, said Pope.

He is charged with sale of a controlled substance and possession with intent
to distribute. Both charges are felonies and involve Ecstasy, said Pope.

"We found what we believe to be methamphetamine, but it's an extremely small
amount. We won't be charging him for that," Pope said.

Justice Court Judge Bruce Strong set bond at $25,000.

Cvitanovich faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted on both charges.

Police officials were not available for comment late Thursday night.

CNET and the District Attorney's Office are continuing the investigation.
Other charges may follow, officials said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Josh