Narco Cop Denies Charges; House Raided

Narcotics officer's house raided
by Ray Kisonas , last modified December 05. 2008 11:28AM
A Michigan State Police lieutenant who oversees narcotics investigations in Monroe County is on paid administrative leave after police searched his home Thursday.

Lt. Luke Davis, head of the Office of Monroe Narcotics Investigations (OMNI), confirmed that he was placed on leave after investigators in his own department served a search warrant at his Monroe home.

"I would have let them in if they asked," he said. "I have nothing to hide."

Lt. Davis said this morning that he did nothing wrong and the investigation involving him is based on information that someone is providing as retaliation of a raid that OMNI - the agency he leads - conducted recently.

"This is one big misunderstanding," Lt. Davis said. "I promise the people of Monroe County that we'll get this straightened out."

State police say OMNI will continue operations.

State police officials in Lansing confirmed that Lt. Davis is being investigated for allegations of misconduct and they have launched an internal investigation. The agency did not provide details about what - if anything - was removed from Lt. Davis' home.

"Following a search warrant served at the employee's residence (Thursday,) the employee in question was suspended with pay while the investigation continues," the statement read. "Another MSP lieutenant familiar with OMNI has been temporarily assigned to coordinate all investigative efforts. Monroe County residents can be assured that OMNI will continue to operate with no disruption in service."

The state police said all allegations against a department member are taken seriously.

"Any allegation of potential misconduct is aggressively investigated following clearly established policies and procedures," the statement read. "When an allegation is made against a department member, regardless of whether a formal complaint was filed, the department begins the process of gathering factual information regarding the allegation."

Lt. Davis for years strongly has advocated against drug use and often has held talks about the dangers of drug abuse at schools and community groups. He said he could not get into details about the investigation.

"I am not involved in any way with possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs," he said. "There are no illegal drugs at my residence. I do not do drugs."

The state police said the results of the department's investigation will be forwarded to the Michigan Attorney General's Office, which will determine if criminal charges are warranted.

Whether the investigation results in the issuance of criminal charges, the employee may be subject to administrative sanctions if the investigation reveals a violation of department policy or procedure.