The Associated Press, Tuesday, November 25, 1997

Former prosecutor pleads guilty to drug violation

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A former Multnomah County deputy district attorney pleaded guilty Monday to a violation of drug laws, and was fined $100.

David B. Peters resigned Sept. 1 after police found cocaine and marijuana in his home. Sources told The Oregonian that Peters' first name and office phone number had been listed in a little black book owned by Michael Francis Hipps, who was indicted in July on charges he helped run an upscale drug ring.

Since resigning, Peters has participated in an intensive outpatient drug treatment program.

In addition to the fine, Peters was ordered to pay $50 in court costs after pleading to the charge of attempted possession of a controlled substance.

"He has, from the beginning, accepted full responsibility for this and made a very sincere effort to get himself into treatment and beat this problem of drug addiction," Peters' attorney, Stephen Houze said.

Special prosecutor John A. Bennett said the plea agreement was the same any defendant would get in a case where police find drug residue or a minuscule amount.

Evidence showed that Peters was involved only in personal use of the drugs, not selling, Bennett said.

He now faces possible sanctions by the Oregon State Bar, said disciplinary counsel Jeff Sapiro.

A similar case against Peters' wife, Jennifer A. Burgraff, 38, should be wrapped up within two weeks, Bennett said.

Peters, 41, is best known for prosecuting Alberto Gonzalez, the first American convicted of attempted murder for having unprotected sex while knowing he had the AIDS virus.

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