Posted on Fri, Oct. 13, 2006
Officer faces 30 years in prison
Cvitanovich pleads guilty to selling Ecstasy
By ROBIN FITZGERALD
rfitzgerald@sunherald.com
BILOXI - A former Biloxi police officer, who resigned after his arrest, has pleaded guilty to selling Ecstasy.
Darrell D. Cvitanovich Jr. faces up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to one of two drug charges on Thursday. He appeared before Circuit Judge Roger Clark, who ordered a pre-sentence investigation and sentencing on Oct. 30.
The K-9 officer and 14-year veteran of the Biloxi Police Department told the judge he obtained the drugs from someone he didn't know at Just Us Lounge and sold four tablets to a friend.
Ecstasy, or MDMA, is an illegal stimulant known as a "club drug" because of its association with all-night dances or parties known as raves.
Cvitanovich told the judge he used illegal drugs in the past. Cvitanovich didn't give a clear answer when asked whether he was addicted, said Beth McFayden, an assistant district attorney.
The judge said he has known the defendant's father for many years. D.D. Cvitanovich Sr., a retired state trooper, was Biloxi's police chief from 1989 to 1993.
Cvitanovich remains free on $50,000 bond.
The Coastal Narcotics Enforcement Team said agents notified Biloxi police officials of an undercover investigation after receiving a tip about Cvitanovich's alleged drug activity. Agents arrested him on June 2, 2005, and said they found 11 Ecstasy tablets and a small amount of methamphetamine in his house.
He was charged with transfer of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Prosecutors dropped the possession charge for a guilty plea to the sales charge on an open plea, which does not recommend a possible sentence.
Cvitanovich is one of two Biloxi police officers arrested on criminal charges last year.
Michael Joseph "Mike" Pechawer, a 20-year officer, pleaded guilty to bribery in July, admitting he took money from a bail bond agent for referring detainees to the bonding company. Circuit Judge Kosta Vlahos gave Pechawer five years' probation.
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© 2006 The Sun Herald and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
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I think this guy let his job get to him
