Police officer fired after drug arrest appeals termination

By By Suzanne Monk / managing editor
June 12, 2002
Don Morgan, a K9 officer fired from the Meridian Police Department after a drug raid at his Clarke County home, has appealed his termination to the Civil Service Commission.
Police Chief Benny DuBose said Morgan was discovered in a "disoriented state" on May 3. He was on duty and in his police vehicle at the time.
Morgan was transported to a local hospital, DuBose said, and a search of his vehicle turned up several bottles of unauthorized narcotics and drug paraphernalia.
A subsequent search of Morgan's home turned up more illegal drugs.
Morgan was charged May 6 by the Clarke County Sheriff's Department with illegal possession of cocaine and illegal possession of crystal methamphetamine.
Morgan filed an appeal of his termination with the Meridian Civil Service Commission on June 6. He had served on the MPD for almost four years and was a senior patrolman.
He is represented by William E. Ready, and lists as the basis for his appeal "erroneous basis" and "unlawful application of law and/or rules."
No copy of his termination letter was attached, but the appeal lists 21 potential witnesses who might be called at a public hearing into that matter. All but one are police officers including those who conducted the search at his home.
Morgan has asked that further action in his appeal be delayed until after the criminal charges against him have been resolved. His case is expected to be presented to a Clarke County grand jury in July.
IN OTHER MATTERS
Meridian Civil Service Commissioner Terry Cross, originally appointed by former Mayor Jimmy Kemp, resigned effective May 31 for health reasons. It is the job of the mayor and city council to appoint a replacement.
Don Cross, Meridian's assistant administrative officer, says he is anxious to clear his name now that DUI charges against him have been dismissed in Meridian Municipal Court. His appeal before the CSC of a suspension imposed by Mayor John Robert Smith has been on hold pending the outcome of that trial; it has now been scheduled for Aug. 8.
City officials have announced that they will conduct a competitive application process to fill one of two "assistant Public Works director" positions. The action came after an appeal from Jeanette R. McPherson, Meridian's waste water supervisor.