
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, August 21, 1995                   TAG: 9508210119
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: ALEXANDRIA                                  LENGTH: Short

OFFICER ACCUSED OF DRUG POSSESSION

A 31-year-old Alexandria policewoman has been suspended after being charged with cocaine possession.

Officer Tonia Geigher, a five-year veteran of the department, was arrested Friday night.

``It is a very sad day in the history of the Alexandria Police Department,'' said Chief Charles Samarra in a statement. ``Never has this department arrested one of its own members for illegal drug use." Illicit drug use of any kind will not be tolerated and we are moving swiftly and decisively to conclude this case.''

Assistant Police Chief Earl Cook said Geigher's arrest was the result of a special internal investigation by the Alexandria Police Department.

The policewoman is accused of having used cocaine in a social setting while off duty, said Cook.

- Associated Press

by CNB