Attorney General's News Release

May 1, 2003

Former Cape police officer charged with stealing, forgery evidence tampering, drug distribution and other crimes

Jackson, Mo. — The Attorney General's Office today charged former Cape Girardeau police officer Paul Edward Tipler with seven felonies and four misdemeanors, including felony stealing, forgery, tampering with evidence and distribution of a controlled substance.

Tipler (DOB - 3/21/68) turned himself in today to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and is being held on $10,000 bond. The Attorney General was appointed as special prosecutor to investigate the case and bring charges, if warranted.

The complaint filed in Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court charges Tipler with:

• One count of felony stealing, with an allegation that Tipler took at least $750 from the Cape Girardeau Police Department by representing that it would be used for legitimate law enforcement purposes when Tipler knew the money would not be used for that purpose;
• Two felony counts of distribution of a controlled substance, with the allegations that Tipler knowingly distributed cocaine to two women;
• Two felony counts of tampering with physical evidence, with the allegations that Tipler concealed cocaine and marijuana from fellow officers during the course of an investigation, thereby hindering prosecution of a citizen on drug charges;
• Two felony counts of forgery, with the allegations that Tipler forged two police receipt forms;
• Three misdemeanor counts of patronizing prostitution, with the allegations that Tipler gave money or illegal drugs to three women in exchange for sex; and
• One misdemeanor count of possession of a defaced firearm.

The charges of distribution of a controlled substance are class B felonies under Missouri law, punishable upon conviction by no more than 15 and no less than five years in prison. The forgery and stealing charges are class C felonies, punishable by a maximum of seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The tampering charges are class D felonies, punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The patronizing prostitution and the possession of a defaced firearm are class B misdemeanors, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

As in all criminal cases, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818