By By Suzanne Monk / managing editor
May 7, 2003
A former Meridian police officer indicted on drug charges has received a five-year, non-adjudicated sentence in Clarke County Circuit Court.
Don Morgan was found in his patrol car in what Police Chief Benny DuBose called a "disoriented" state on May 3, 2002.
Morgan worked with a drug dog and was on duty at the time. A search of his car, DuBose said, turned up several bottles of unauthorized narcotics and drug paraphernalia.
More illegal drugs were found in a subsequent search of Morgan's home in Clarke County.
Morgan was arrested and charged with illegal possession of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. He was fired from the MPD almost immediately.
In February 2003, a Clarke County grand jury indicted him on three criminal counts for possession of methamphetamine, Darvocet and phenobarbital.
Clarke County Circuit Clerk Beth Doggett said Morgan pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine Tuesday before Circuit Judge Robert Bailey and received a five-year, non-adjudicated sentence. This means he will not be jailed, and his record can be expunged if he successfully completes his probation.
The judge also assessed a $1,000 fine and court costs.
Two counts of the indictment the ones involving possession of Darvocet and phenobarbital were dismissed as part of Morgan's plea agreement with District Attorney Bilbo Mitchell's office.
Mitchell could not be reached for comment.
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