Pubdate: Wed, 08 Mar 2006
Source: Des Moines Register (IA)
Copyright: 2006 The Des Moines Register.
Contact:  http://desmoinesregister.com/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123
Author: Jeff Eckhoff

POLICE TECHNICIAN GETS PRISON FOR STEALING DRUG MONEY

A former West Des Moines police technician was sentenced Tuesday to 
10 years in prison for stealing $37,000 in forfeited drug money over 
the four years he worked in the evidence room.

Charles Edward Graham, 43, pleaded guilty of first-degree theft in 
January after three months of questions about the integrity of the 
city's police investigations.

Court records show Graham, of Cumming, was arrested after two 
Crimestoppers telephone tips that alleged an "alcohol, drugs and 
gambling addiction."

Documents show Graham has denied that he stole drugs from police 
custody. He has acknowledged a gambling problem, however, and has 
borrowed money to repay the $37,000 in cash he says he took from the 
department.

The money was taken in increments of between $300 and $2,900, amounts 
Graham viewed as loans to fuel his gambling addiction, according to his lawyer.

"I've made a lot of mistakes over the past year," Graham said in 
court Tuesday. "I've hurt a lot of people who have meant a lot to me. 
. . . I've tried to address the causes of my actions."

Prosecutor Steve Foritano requested prison time for Graham.

"As a result of his conduct, the integrity of the system was 
affected," Foritano said. "Because of that, the state believes Mr. 
Graham should be incarcerated."

Judge Robert Hutchison agreed that the incident was "a terrible blow" 
to law enforcement and sentenced Graham to 10 years. Hutchison added, 
however, that "in all likelihood, you'll not serve all this time."

Defense attorney Trevor Hook said he intends to ask Hutchison to 
review the sentence in 60 days. At that time, Hutchison could be 
asked to release Graham from prison and give him probation.

"I think we have a good shot at it," Hook said.
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