Pubdate: Fri, 08 May 1998 Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) Contact: Website: http://www.kentuckyconnect.com/ PROSECUTOR FACES DRUG CHARGE LOUISVILLE (AP)-- Jefferson County's chief traffic-court prosecutor has been cited for marijuana possession at the Churchill Downs infield during the Kentucky Derby. An undercover narcotics officer allegedly spotted John A. Wilmes smoking marijuana Saturday. The charge is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a $500 fine or both. Most first offenders are referred to drug-education classes instead, court officials said. In being cited rather than arrested, Wilmes was treated like others in the infield on Derby Day. Jefferson County police Capt. Buddy Dumeyer said Saturday that officers had written about 30 citations, more than half of which were for marijuana possession. A person who is cited isn't taken to jail or booked but is allowed to appear later in court to answer to the charge. County Attorney Mike Conliffe also suspended Wilmes for 30 days. Although Conliffe said Wilmes has an "impeccable" service record, he said suspension was "best for everyone involved." Conliffe didn't say whether Wilmes will be retained after his case is resolved. He said Wilmes prosecutes drunken-driving and other traffic cases, but not drug cases such as the one with which he is being charged. - --- Checked-by: Melodi Cornett