POLICE OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO TAKING MONEY FROM DRUG DEALER

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA- Leura G. Canary, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, announced today that former Wetumpka Police Officer Gregory Thompson, 30, pleaded guilty to violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a) - Interference with Commerce by Extortion Under Color of Official Right - otherwise known as the Hobbs Act. Thompson entered his plea before United States Magistrate Judge Terry F. Moorer.

According to Thompson's own admission, while serving at the Wetumpka Police Department he befriended Tony Mitchell. During their friendship, Thompson learned that Mitchell was involved in distributing illegal narcotics in the Wetumpka area. Despite knowing this information, Thompson never disclosed his relationship with Mitchell to his superiors.

On or about December 15, 2005, Greg Thompson was on official duty when Tony Mitchell asked Thompson to surveil a meeting between Mitchell and an unnamed individual. After the meeting, Mitchell directed Thompson to stop the unnamed individual, search his vehicle, and retrieve a package. Using his patrol car, and under the guise of an illegal lane change, Thompson stopped the unnamed individual's vehicle and searched it. Despite failing to recover Mitchell's package, Mitchell paid Thompson $200.00 for conducting the illegal traffic stop.

Thompson entered into a plea agreement with the United States wherein he agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with law enforcement.

United States Attorney Leura G. Canary reaffirmed her commitment to investigating and prosecuting public officials who engage in corrupt practices. She stated, "The public has the right to be assured of the integrity of its public servants, in particular those charged with enforcing the law. This office will continue to aggressively prosecute corrupt public officials who use their office for personal gain."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Special Agent Tyler McCurdy. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Verne H. Speirs.