Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, December 6, 1994 TAG: 9412060096
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DIANE STRUZZI STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Robert W. Bess was arrested Friday after police searched his basement office and found what they believe are 30 Valium tablets and several empty prescription bottles.
The investigation began Nov. 19, when police arrested a Roanoke College student with a large amount of marijuana, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in Salem Circuit Court.
Police believe the source of that marijuana was a man to whom Bess is related.
Last week, an informant helped police secretly tape conversations in which Bess detailed his involvement with marijuana distribution, the affidavit says. The informant also obtained Valium from Bess at his office in Chalmers Hall at 201 High St.
Salem Commonwealth's Attorney Fred King said Bess was supplying the drugs to at least one male student at the school. King added that drug charges against another individual involved with the distribution ring is pending.
For the past several years, Bess has worked at the college's Learning Center - where he advised students - and taught a writing composition course and a study skills course to freshmen.
On Monday, Bess would not comment on his arrest.
Since the charges, his duties have been reassigned and his case remains under review, said Teresa Thomas, director of the college's public relations department.
by CNB