Ex-St. Louis officer accused of giving gun to drug dealers

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A former St. Louis police officer is accused of giving a shotgun to drug dealers.

Prosecutors say 28-year-old Don McGhee knew people who distributed crack cocaine and marijuana. He’s suspected of giving a drug dealer a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun last March, knowing the person would use it in relation to drug trafficking.

McGhee was named Wednesday in a one-count indictment accusing him of conspiracy to possess a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

McGhee pleaded not guilty Thursday. He turned himself in and was released on a $20,000 unsecured bail.

McGhee’s attorney said he must review documents and that he’s pleased the “charge is limited to what it’s limited to.”

The police chief issued a statement, accusing McGhee of betraying the public’s trust.