A Russellville Police Officer finds himself on the other side of the law. He's been arrested on a felony drug charge.
Officer Gerald Wayne McClurg has been with the Russellville Police Department since 2002.
Wednesday night, the veteran officer was arrested. He's charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, which is a Class C felony.
Police Chief Chris Hargett says McClurg was on duty when he allegedly tried to buy Loricet prescription pills.
"He purchased the pills from one of the undercover informants that we have here at the police department," says Hargett.
Sources tells NewsChannel 19 that Officer McClurg has a history of medical problems and it's likely he became addicted to the medicine.
Chief Hargett describes the incident as a "black eye" for the department, but is quick to point out that it will be handled the same way as any other case.
"We want the public to understand that we're going to police the public as well as the police department," says Hargett. "If someone in the police department crosses the line, then we're going to be there to correct that also. We're going to treat them the same way."
Following his arrest, Officer McClurg was booked into the Franklin County Jail. He was released after posting his $2,000 bond.
The arrested officer is on administrative leave without pay until the internal investigation is complete.
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