Court Hearing Held For Former DA

Tuesday, July 10th 2007, 6:00 am

By: News On 6

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- A former Cherokee County narcotics investigator testifies about missing drug money during the preliminary hearing for a former district attorney. Forty-six-year-old Richard Gray is charged with embezzlement for allegedly taking nearly $9,000 in seized drug money from his office. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Cherokee County Drug Task Force agent James Carver says Gray confronted him with an empty evidence bag, similar to one Carver said held seized drug money.

Carver says he told Gray that if Gray thought Carver had taken the money, he should forward his concerns to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Defense attorney Clark Brewster showed Carver a clear evidence bag which had his signature indicating he signed off on putting money in the bag. Carver said it wasn't the same bag he was shown by Gray when confronted about the missing money.

Gray's drug task force seized the money while serving search warrants in September and October 2003.

Assistant Attorney General Joel-lyn McCormick says Gray was the last person to be in contact with the money, and he was unable to produce it.

Related stories:

10/24/2006 - Indictment Accuses District Attorney Richard Gray Of Embezzlement

11/28/2006 - Report Recommends Continued Probe Of Cherokee Countyâ€™s Ex-Prosecutor

5/17/2007 - Preliminary Hearing Postponed For Former Prosecutor