LUTCHER'S POLICE CHIEF MUST DO TIME

He Could Get 120-Year Sentence For Plea In Three Cocaine Deals

Lutcher Police Chief Corey Pittman, accused of selling more than 50 grams
of crack cocaine to an undercover federal operative this summer, pleaded
guilty to three counts of cocaine distribution Wednesday and could face up
to 120 years in prison.

Pittman, 29, pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of 5 or more
grams of crack cocaine in front of U.S. District Court Judge Ginger
Berrigan and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for each
count and a maximum of 40 years per count. Pittman also could face a $2
million fine per count.

Sentencing is set for March.

He also could face the seizure of his home and vehicles if officials can
prove they were bought with money from narcotics sales.

Pittman is being held without bond at an undisclosed location. He had been
the police chief of Lutcher's four-person department since his election in
2002, but will lose his position because of the felony conviction.

Flanked by representatives from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the
FBI, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten announced the guilty plea in a news
conference in New Orleans, and called the conviction another step in
reducing public corruption in Louisiana. Letten, who called Pittman's crime
the "ultimate betrayal of trust," said his office has not decided whether
it will make a sentencing recommendation in the case.

"Public corruption such as (this) represents the worst breach of trust
possible," Letten said. "Those are serious charges. Federal law enforcement
is extremely active, as always, in protecting the rights and safety of the
citizens out there."

Pittman, who was arrested Aug. 17, was accused of selling a total of about
57 grams of crack cocaine and 40 hydrocodone pills to a federal operative
on three instances in June and August. All three drug deals took place in
St. John the Baptist Parish, and were recorded on video or audio tape by
federal officials, said William J. Renton, special agent in charge for the DEA.

Pittman received a total of $3,800 from the drug sales. According to
Letten, Pittman sold the operative 22.1 grams of crack on June 23 in the
parking lot of the Garyville/Mount Airy Math and Science Magnet School. On
Aug. 8, he sold 23 grams of crack, and on Aug. 12 he sold 12 grams of crack
and the prescription pain medication. The last two drug deals took place at
a Reserve truck stop.

Pittman was Lutcher's first black police chief. The police chief is paid
$24,000 a year.

The St. James Parish town will have to call a special election to fill
Pittman's position. A date for the election has not yet been set.