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

DATE: SATURDAY, March 21, 1992                   TAG: 9203210375
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A5   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS                                LENGTH: Short

NEWPORT NEWS OFFICER CHARGED WITH PERJURY

Prosecutors dropped charges in more than 10 pending cases in which a police officer charged with perjury is the principal witness.

Vernon Lyons, 42, is accused of lying to obtain a search warrant in a drug case, authorities said.

Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn said Thursday he hasn't ruled out reviewing convictions if a defendant claims Lyons' testimony alone convicted him.

Lyons, a 12-year veteran, is accused of lying to a magistrate when he swore under oath Jan. 19 that a "reliable informant" had seen drug sales take place within the past three days in a room at a motel.

Lyons was indicted by a Circuit Court grand jury March 10, one day after he resigned from the force. He was formally charged with the crime March 13 and then released on bond pending trial, which is set for May 26. - Associated Press

by CNB