NY: Detective Resigns In Marijuana Case

Discussion in 'Marijuana News' started by IndianaToker, Feb 1, 2005.

  1. by Jim Wright And Nancy Dooling, Press & Sun-Bulletin, (Source:press & Sun Bulletin)
    29 Jan 2005

    Smith Was 13-Year Veteran

    DICKINSON -- Veteran Broome County sheriff's detective Christopher L. Smith has resigned from the department rather than face termination over his marijuana-possession conviction.

    "It basically was a question of resign or be terminated," Broome County Sheriff David E. Harder said.

    The 35-year-old pleaded guilty Tuesday in Town of Barker Justice Court to fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. Smith, who admitted to having more than 2 ounces of marijuana, will pay a $1,000 fine.

    Smith also received a conditional discharge as part of his sentence from Justice Gary K. Blackman. The detective of 13 years could have served up to a year in jail.

    The conditional discharge means that he will be prosecuted on the original charge if arrested again within the next year.

    "He is done," Harder said Friday. "He's off the payroll, and now I look for a new employee." Smith's resignation was effective Jan. 25. His pay stopped at that time, Harder said.

    Smith was charged after state police noticed marijuana plants on his Town of Barker property while investigating a domestic incident between the detective and his wife.

    He had been receiving his $52,023 pay since he was put on leave seven months ago, although he was docked one month's pay.

    The detective was arraigned in July.

    Smith's detective post probably won't be filled before September, to enable officials to consider results of a June state Civil Service examination, Harder said.

    The sheriff, however, immediately will seek to hire a deputy at an annual base salary of $36,665. The deputy post will be filled either by a lateral transfer or an existing civil service list, Harder said.

    [size=-1]Pubdate: Sat, 29 Jan 2005
    Source: Press & Sun Bulletin (NY)
    Copyright: 2005 Press & Sun Bulletin
    Contact: presssun@pronetisp.net
    Website: http://www.pressconnects.com/
    Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/878
    Author: Jim Wright And Nancy Dooling, Press & Sun-Bulletin[/SIZE]
     
  2. thats funny he got off easy too
     

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