Pubdate: Tue, 27 Mar 2007 Source: Recorder & Times, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2007 Recorder and Times Contact: http://www.recorder.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2216 Author: Jack Walker ACCUSED OPP OFFICER OUT ON BAIL An OPP officer busted for dealing drugs and obstructing justice has been released on bail after spending the weekend in custody. Maurice Morrissette, 37, of Kemptville, was freed Monday after his brother Michael agreed to act as a surety and sign a $5,000 bond. The Crown consented to the release after Michael Morrissette, a truck driver from Casselman, promised to do his best to ensure his brother complied with the terms of his release and to report any breaches to police. A former member of the Prescott Police Service who joined the OPP following amalgamation, Morrissette was taken into custody Thursday following an 18-month investigation into the drug and contraband cigarette trade. He's charged with trafficking and unlawful possession of marijuana in Ottawa on September 12, 2006, along with two counts of obstructing justice. The first obstruction is alleged to have occurred in Prescott between August 10 and 12, 2006, when Morrissette is accused of attempting to obstruct the course of justice in a judicial proceeding by transporting Mehrdad Kazikermani away from his home while he was serving a conditional sentence. On September 20, 2006, Morrissette is alleged to have tipped off the occupants of 2660 MacIntosh Road in Prescott of an impending police raid. Kazikermani and former Prescott town police officer Bruce Perrin were among more than a dozen individuals Morrissette is not to contact under the conditions of his release. Because of the obstruction charges, federal prosecutor Roderick Sonley said the Crown is "very concerned" that Morrissette doesn't attempt to communicate with any of the named persons. "We don't want him to interfere with any of those individuals and possibly try to change their testimony or have other interests," Sonley told the surety. "Do you understand that?" "Yes sir," replied Morrissette. While the pair won't be living together, Morrissette said he would regularly call and visit his brother to ensure the accused complies with all the conditions. Morrissette is to reside at his home on River Road in Kemptville and remain within a 35-kilometre radius of the town. He's to provide police with a monthly copy of his residential phone bill and can't own or possess a cellphone, pager or other portable communication device. He must report to the Prescott OPP detachment five days a week and turn over his passport and any weapons. He's not to possess or sell illegal drugs or associate with drug dealers. A police officer since 1993, Morrissette has been under suspension with pay since last August when he was charged with possession of marijuana following a traffic stop on Highway 416. Those charges are still before the court. His next court appearance is April 13. Police say charges are pending against other individuals in connection with the investigation. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek