Pubdate: Mon, 17 Sep 2007
Source: Blade, The (Toledo, OH)
Copyright: 2007 The Blade
Contact:  http://www.toledoblade.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/48
Author: Jane Schmucker, Blade Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)

JAIL OFFICER IN UNIFORM ARRESTED IN DRUG STING

Drane Allegedly Took $100 for Contraband

In the back of a parking lot across from the Lucas County jail, a 
county corrections officer in full uniform accepted $100 from an 
undercover officer to deliver marijuana and tobacco to an inmate on 
Saturday afternoon, a sheriff's director said last night.

This morning that corrections officer, Edward F. Drane, 43, of 251 
Graham St., is to appear in Toledo Municipal Court on a felony charge 
of bribery filed by the Lucas County Sheriff's Office.

Mr. Drane, who has been a corrections officer for years, spent the 
weekend as an inmate in the jail.

"The sheriff's office looks at this as being one of the most serious 
violations of the public trust there can be," said Donald Atkinson, 
special operations director of the sheriff's office.

Mr. Drane had just finished his work shift at 3:40 p.m.  Saturday 
when he met with an undercover officer, one of about a dozen officers 
- - Toledo Police officers and sheriff's deputies among them - working 
on the case, Mr. Atkinson said.

Authorities received information that led them to investigate Mr. 
Drane. They have no evidence he was working with any other jail 
employees to smuggle contraband, Mr. Atkinson said.

Mr. Drane's salary and employee record were not immediately available.

Mr. Drane was arrested immediately after accepting the cash, 
marijuana, and tobacco near 1700 Canton Ave. He was booked into the 
jail two and a half hours later while still wearing his uniform.

Booking records said he was to be kept separate from other inmates. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake