By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer
MARGATE – A city Public Works employee with nearly 13 years on the job was arrested on drug charges Feb. 9 after a five-month-long investigation, according to police.
William Wright, 46, of Margate has been charged with possession and distribution of cocaine, possession and distribution of marijuana, distribution in a park zone, distribution in a school zone, and employing a juvenile in the distribution.
Police accused Wright of conducting illegal drug activities while on the job as a senior pump station operator for the city.
Margate detectives Christopher Koch and Lawrence Dickerson, along with Sgt. Fred Feliciano and Sgt. Sean Clancy of the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, took part in the investigation that led to the arrest. Wright was released after posting bail, which had been set at $15,000 cash by Judge James Savio.
Wright has been suspended until the outcome of his case is determined. He is to be arraigned 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26 in Margate Municipal Court.
Resident Edwin McMeekin questioned the Margate commissioners at their Feb. 15 work session about the legality of random drug testing for city employees.
Mayor Vaughn Reale responded that drug testing has to be agreed to contractually in accordance with the city employees contract. Currently there is no drug testing policy in place for Margate employees.
Only the Margate city police officers contract permits random drug testing. The Fire Department conducts drug screenings as part of its intake process. Reale said, however, that any city employee can be tested if there is reasonable cause.
To comment on this story e-mail Marino@catamaranmedia.com.
