By Nolan Clay
Caddo County District Attorney Jason Hicks on Thursday defends his hiring of a private company to provide traiining to his task force on drug stops. STEVE SISNEY – THE OKLAHOMAN
HINTON — After seizing more than $1 million in cash in drug stops this year, a district attorney has suspended further roadside busts by his task force because of growing criticism over a private company’s participation.
His prosecutors have dropped all criminal cases arising from the drug stops, The Oklahoman was told. Some seized money is being returned. The attorney general’s office is investigating one complaint some seized funds went missing.
“I’m shocked,” a Caddo County special judge said July 2.
The judge spoke at a hearing after learning the private company’s owner pulled over a pregnant driver along Interstate 40 and questioned her even though he is not a state-certified law enforcement officer.
“For people to pull over people on I-40 without that license is shocking to me,” Special Judge David A. Stephens said.
Full Article:
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-da-halts-i-40-drug-stops-after-criticism-from-judge/article/3864488