Former Blackfoot school officer face drug charges

A former Blackfoot High School officer is in court accused of possessing illegal drugs.

He was in court for a preliminary hearing.

Paul Hardwicke is being accused of illegally possessing oxycodone, morphine and tramadol.

Police Chief Kurt Asmus testified that officers are not allowed to have any prescription drugs on them if the drug is not prescribed by a doctor.

The state prosecutor for the case said the state has a strong case.

“It is a hard situation, a hard case to deal with, but I believe that we’ve met the burden as the judge did find,” said JaNiece Price, assistant chief deputy prosecutor.

However, Justin Olson Hardwicke’s attorney argued that Hardwicke was on duty when he possessed the drugs.

He also argued that there is no written protocol when collecting drugs from the Drug safe drop off box.

And contends his clients innocence.

The judge ruled the state did indeed prove probable cause in the case.

Price also said that it is an ongoing investigation.

The official arraignment is set for Nov. 20 and Judge David Nye will be hearing the case.