Morris                                                                       Chief Marklin

The Elkton Police Officer arrested for allegedly attempting to buy drugs while on duty Thursday night has been suspended without pay.

Elkton Police Chief Bruce Marklin and Mayor Nancy Camp held a news conference Friday morning at City Hall, where Chief Marklin said KSP called him at home about ten minutes after 11pm to tell him of the arrest.

The Chief said he immediately recommended 44-year old Officer Russell “Rusty” Morris be suspended, which the Mayor complied with.

Chief Marklin said Morris’ evaluation to come off probation was coming up soon and that there hadn’t been any previous discipline problems while employed in Elkton.

Chief Marklin said KSP first notified him of an allegation of possible drug activity about two weeks ago and he urged the agency to proceed with an investigation if they felt the claim to be credible.

Morris is in the Muhlenberg County Jail on charges of official misconduct, trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of synthetic drugs. The charges are enhanced because of the presence of his weapon.
A news release says KSP received a tip that Morris was attempting to purchase narcotics while on duty and performed a delivery to him as part of an undercover operation. He is in the Muhlenberg County Jail.

Morris is a former Hopkinsville Police Department officer who resigned after being charged with DUI in 2008.

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01/25/2013/am