Ohio jury acquits federal drug agent accused in the framing of 17 people in sting

Ohio jury clears drug agent accused of framing 17

CLEVELAND — An Ohio jury has acquitted a federal drug agent in the framing of 17 people in a sting.

Drug Enforcement Administration agent Lee Lucas hugged his attorney and fought back tears after the verdict was announced Friday on 18 counts, including obstruction of justice, perjury and deprivation of civil rights.

Lucas is a 19-year Drug Enforcement Administration veteran and went to work in his hometown of Cleveland after duty in the drug wars in Bolivia and Miami. The 41-year-old was placed on leave after he was charged in the case.

Prosecutors had told jurors the case against Lucas was strong, even if they discounted the testimony of a paid informant who said he helped Lucas frame people. The defense had called the government’s evidence “inexplicable” and “inconceivable.”