[420 Girl]

Allentown, PA - A 29-year veteran of the Lehigh County Sheriff's Department was arrested two weeks ago and charged with buying marijuana during an undercover drug operation in south Allentown, authorities said.

Michael John Gladfelter, a sergeant with the sheriff's department, purchased $180 worth of marijuana on S. Woodward Street on Jan. 14 while under surveillance by state police narcotics officers, authorities said. Police did not release the name of the alleged dealer or whether he was arrested.

Gladfelter, 52, has been with the sheriff's department since 1981, including more than 18 years as a sergeant, according to Sheriff Ronald Rossi. Gladfelter has been suspended without pay pending an investigation and will probably be terminated, Rossi said.

Gladfelter will not be allowed to have a firearm because he violated the state's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, Rossi said.

''You would never expect someone who has been with the sheriff's office for so long, and is in court all the time and sees this drug business, to ever get involved,'' Rossi said. ''But some people, I don't know what makes them tick.

''Like I said, he will not work for me.''

According to the criminal complaint:

Gladfelter pulled up alone in his truck at 6 p.m. on S. Woodward Street, between Camp and W. Saucon streets, and paid the dealer $180 for marijuana. Gladfelter was arrested at the scene and police found a smoking pipe in his pockets during a search.

He was taken to state police barracks in Bethlehem, where he gave a written statement and admitted buying the marijuana, saying it was for his personal use.

Gladfelter was charged with intentional purchase of marijuana, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanors. He was released and mailed a summons to appear in court.


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