Wednesday, September 15, 1999
Officials tap leader for Warren drug unit
BY SHEILA McLAUGHLIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — In the past nine years, John Burke has busted men who masqueraded as doctors, and nurses who stole drugs.
He has arrested addicts who pass fake prescriptions and helped crack a recent string of drug store robberies.
But his days as head of Cincinnati Police Division's pharmaceutical diversion squad are coming to an end.
Next month, Sgt. Burke retires from the city department, heading north to lead drug-enforcement efforts in Warren County.
On Tuesday, he was named director of the Warren County Drug Task Force, a 6-year-old unit that has been without leadership since July when Lebanon police Sgt. John Pennington was removed from the position after being charged with drunken driving.
“We hope that it re-energizes the unit,” Warren County Prosecutor Tim Oliver said.
“The unit will probably be a little more multifaceted than it was before because of the extensive nature of John's expe rience and contacts as well as his ability to secure grant money.”
Mr. Oliver, one of seven law-enforcement officials on the board that hired Sgt. Burke, said task-force activity has been stagnant since Sgt. Pennington's departure.
Sgt. Burke's arrival Oct. 25 is expected to change that.
“I think we have to wait over time and see what direction it goes. Clearly, we want a renewed focus on our drug activity,” Mr. Oliver said.
In Warren County, Sgt. Burke will be paid $55,000 a year to supervise countywide drug investigations in a joint effort that includes the prosecutor's office, sheriff's office and five police departments.
Sgt. Burke, who was in training with the city department Tuesday, could not be reached for comment.
“We're going to miss his experience and that's the thing that hurts,” said Cincinnati police spokesman Lt. Ray Ruberg.
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