Sunday, May 13, 2012

Deseret News on April 19, 2012 had an article titled "Ex-officer accused of using database to commit burglary".  Ben M. Murray, former police officer with the Vernal Police department is accused of using a drug database, the Utah Controlled Substance Database, to track prescriptions that were filled by two Vernal residents.  His intent was to steal the medications when they were filled and he actually entered the victims homes while they were home on the pretense of counting the pills to be sure they were not being over prescribed.  His actions have caused the victims to file a suit seeking $2 million dollars for violating their 4th Amendment rights!  The 4th Amendment says, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."  Officer Murray certainly abused his position to obtain drugs for whatever purpose.  Certainly he should pay the price for his actions.  The only issue I have is that I find it difficult to believe it will take $2 million dollars for these victims to feel they have been put back to the state they were in before Officer Murray stole their medications.  They do appear to have had their 4th Amendment rights violated, but $2 million.....that's a stretch!

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