Ex-UT Cop Convicted
In Drug Case
Serves 60 Days Of Sentence

Published in The Toledo Blade on May 31, 1996.
By Debra Baker, Blade Staff Writer.

A former University Of Toledo police officer who was convicted of drug charges in March was released from prison yesterday after serving just 60 days of an 18-month prison sentence.

Judge Robert Christiansen of Lucas County Common Pleas Court granted shock probation to Gerald Owens, 38, who was convicted of four counts of aggravated trafficking. Owens was placed on probation for five years.

He was arrested last September on charges of selling crack cocaine to undercover Toledo police officers. A jury convicted him March 31 on all four counts.

In justifying his decision to release Owens, Judge Christiansen said the jury played a large part in his reasoning.

"They told me that it was just fine with them. In fact, they thought it was a good idea," Judge Christiansen said. "Let me make it clear. This was the jury that heard all the evidence in the case. They and I are probably the best informed people about this case.

Bruce Sorg, a county assistant prosecutor, argued unsuccessfully that the jury's finding of guilt should be enough to keep Owens in prison for his full term. He also said Owens's unwillingness to acknowledge his guilt shows he has not yet rehabilitated himself.

Jon Richardson, Owens's attorney, said his client never admitted his guilt because he was not guilty. "He didn't do it." Mr. Richardson said. "The system didn't work this time."

After the court hearing, Owens said he plans to appeal his conviction and to take his case to members of the Million Man March. He alleged the officers involved in the case lied when they testified.

"I've said I was innocent, and I am innocent," Owens said. "They perjured themselves on the stand. I'm saying that 100 per cent.:

Captain Ron Spann, who testified in the case and supervises the police vice-metro drug unit, denied any allegations of dishonesty on the part of his officers and himself.

"I've always thought that if you do the crime, you do the time," Captain Spann said. "Four counts of aggravated trafficking is enough to keep a guy locked up for a long time, I would think."

Return to University of Toledo police corruption.