04-09-2009, 03:02 AM
BROOKSVILLE - A sheriff's detective resigned last year after admitting he took his wife's prescription drugs.
An internal investigation was opened in October after a random drug test at the sheriff's office singled out John Cameron III. The results of that test are redacted from public records obtained by Hernando Today, but the steps taken by human resources after the test are consistent with a positive result.
Per policy, Cameron was notified of the random test on Oct. 22 by his immediate supervisor, Capt. James Walker. Walker later told an in-house investigator he detected "a little apprehension" in his phone conversation with Cameron.
Cameron told Walker he was taking medication for a medical condition dating back to December 2007. Walker assured him any positive results would be justified by a prescription.
Following the positive result, Cameron provided Human Resources Director Debra King with a list of his medical conditions and the bottle of his wife's medication. King told him the explanation was unacceptable and contacted internal affairs to initiate an investigation.
She further added taking someone else's medication is against Florida law.
Cameron later disputed certain aspects of that conversation. He contends that King replied, "OK, good," indicating that there was no problem. For that reason, he took another dose of his wife's medication, according to public records.
The sergeant in charge of internal investigations prompted Cameron later about the illegality of consuming someone else's drugs. Cameron expressed shock and said he didn't realize it was illegal.
The sergeant questioned that reaction, saying she was surprised he didn't know that after serving a stint in the vice and narcotics bureau. Cameron clarified, saying "I didn't think about it. That might be more accurate."
The internal investigation concluded Cameron violated the drug-free workplace policy at the sheriff's office. Because he resigned before its completion, no action was taken.
Sgt. Donna Black, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, said Wednesday there was no indication Cameron was impaired on duty. Asked why there was no criminal investigation, Black cited Florida law that excludes drug test results from evidence and criminal proceedings.
Assistant State Attorney Don Barbee confirmed that was accurate and added consuming someone else's prescription drugs is not illegal. It's the possession of the drug that is illegal - same as marijuana or any other narcotic, he said.
Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.
If he had his wifes pills with him, why was he not charged? It's documented!!
An internal investigation was opened in October after a random drug test at the sheriff's office singled out John Cameron III. The results of that test are redacted from public records obtained by Hernando Today, but the steps taken by human resources after the test are consistent with a positive result.
Per policy, Cameron was notified of the random test on Oct. 22 by his immediate supervisor, Capt. James Walker. Walker later told an in-house investigator he detected "a little apprehension" in his phone conversation with Cameron.
Cameron told Walker he was taking medication for a medical condition dating back to December 2007. Walker assured him any positive results would be justified by a prescription.
Following the positive result, Cameron provided Human Resources Director Debra King with a list of his medical conditions and the bottle of his wife's medication. King told him the explanation was unacceptable and contacted internal affairs to initiate an investigation.
She further added taking someone else's medication is against Florida law.
Cameron later disputed certain aspects of that conversation. He contends that King replied, "OK, good," indicating that there was no problem. For that reason, he took another dose of his wife's medication, according to public records.
The sergeant in charge of internal investigations prompted Cameron later about the illegality of consuming someone else's drugs. Cameron expressed shock and said he didn't realize it was illegal.
The sergeant questioned that reaction, saying she was surprised he didn't know that after serving a stint in the vice and narcotics bureau. Cameron clarified, saying "I didn't think about it. That might be more accurate."
The internal investigation concluded Cameron violated the drug-free workplace policy at the sheriff's office. Because he resigned before its completion, no action was taken.
Sgt. Donna Black, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, said Wednesday there was no indication Cameron was impaired on duty. Asked why there was no criminal investigation, Black cited Florida law that excludes drug test results from evidence and criminal proceedings.
Assistant State Attorney Don Barbee confirmed that was accurate and added consuming someone else's prescription drugs is not illegal. It's the possession of the drug that is illegal - same as marijuana or any other narcotic, he said.
Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.
If he had his wifes pills with him, why was he not charged? It's documented!!