Ex-cop arrested on drug charge
and forgery From Staff Reports
The Titus County Sheriff’s
Office (TCSO) Narcotics Division, with the assistance of Titus County Deputy
Allan Holloway, stopped a vehicle Friday on FM 2152.
The stop was made in connection
with narcotics trafficking, according to Sheriff Tim Ingram, and Joe Heath
Lane, 43, of Teague, was identified as the driver. Upon speaking with Lane, it
was found that his driver’s license had expired in 2006.
Consent was then received to
search Lane’s vehicle and his person, said Ingram. When searching, Lane was
asked to remove his boots and he agreed to comply. When Lane pulled off his boots, a small bag
containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine was located.
Lane was placed under arrest
and transported to the Titus County Jail, reports Ingram
“Once at the jail it was also discovered
that Lane had another baggie with what is believed to be meth residue hidden in
the lining of his hat,” said Ingram. “Not only was Lane in possession of a
substance believed to be an illegal narcotic, he was also found to be in
possession of counterfeit money.”
Lane had a total of $96, and
all of it was counterfeit, said Ingram
“The Titus County Sheriff’s
Office is dedicated to fighting drugs in this county and makes many arrests on
a day to day basis,” said Ingram. “But, what made this one a little different
is that the arrested person in this case used to be a cop.”
“Joe Heath Lane used to be a
police officer for the City of Naples for the span of about three and a half
years before leaving his job, and losing his commission in 2007,” continued Ingram.
“Lane was in possession of his badge and ID Card that he used to carry while
employed with the City of Naples at the time of his arrest.”
Lane was charged with
Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, under 1 gram, and
Forgery. The drug charge is a State Jail Felony. If convicted, Lane could spend
up to two years in a state jail and pay a fine of up to $10,000..
The Forgery charge is a third
degree felony, which carries jail time of two to ten years if convicted, and a
fine not to exceed $10,000.00.
John Geer