Austin police officer guilty of drug charge

Austin police captain guilty of drug possession.

Star Tribune

Last update: November 6, 2009 - 8:52 PM

An Austin, Minn., school board member and police captain was found guilty Thursday of felony drug possession.

A jury convicted Curt Rude of fifth-degree felony drug possession, as well as a gross misdemeanor for interfering with property in official custody, said Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem.

Rude was found not guilty of felony theft in the case, which stemmed from events at the police station on Nov. 6, 2007 -- the day he was elected to the school board.

According to the charges, another officer saw Rude with two prescription pill bottles in his hands and an evidence bag on a counter. The officer reported the incident to Police Chief Paul Philipp.

It's unclear whether Rude must resign from the school board, Bob Lowe, director of management services for the Minnesota School Boards Association. Lowe said the association will have a better idea of what the law requires after Rude's sentencing next month.

Rude remains suspended without pay from his police job, Philipp said. His ability to return to work depends on several factors, including whether he can keep his license with the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, the chief said.

SARAH LEMAGIE