(JACKSON, Miss.) -- A sixth Jackson police officer has been freed on bond after a federal court appearance in the capital city’s corruption investigation.
Ronald Youngblood, 35, is accused of accepting $300 Nov. 19 to provide an escort in a marked patrol car for what was described to him as 2 kilograms of cocaine.
Youngblood waived a preliminary hearing Thursday. A federal grand jury will hear the case in about two weeks.
Youngblood, Sgt. Fred Gaddis and Patrolman Tim Henderson are charged with attempting to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of those charges, they face not less than 10 years and up to life in prison.
The FBI has said an informant who cooperated with investigators contacted the officers, arranged for protection for what was described as a drug shipment and later paid them. Prosecutors have refused to identify the informant.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James Sumner released Youngblood on a $10,000 unsecured bond. The five other officers who have been charged were required to post bond.
Patrolman Nate Thomas, Detective Joe Wade and Detective Stanley Butler are charged with extorting or attempting to extort money. If convicted, they could each face up to 20 years in prison.
(iSyndicate; The Commercial Appeal; Nov. 18, 2000) Terms and Conditions
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