First 3 paragraphs read: "A suspended Newport, Ky., police sergeant was under stress and taking the anti-depressant Prozac when he pointed a rifle at three Dayton, Ky., cops outside his home, his attorney said."

"Sgt. James Brian Henley, 36, checked himself into an undisclosed psychiatric hospital after being released Friday from the Campbell County Jail, said attorney Steve Dowell."

"'It appears that (Thursday's) episode is a direct result of his prescription medication,' Dowell said."

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Suspect depressed, lawyer says
The Cincinnati Post
April 1, 2000
Author: Paul A. Long and Courtney Kinney
Post staff reporters
Estimated printed pages: 2

A suspended Newport, Ky., police sergeant was under stress and taking the anti-depressant Prozac when he pointed a rifle at three Dayton, Ky., cops outside his home, his attorney said.

Sgt. James Brian Henley, 36, checked himself into an undisclosed psychiatric hospital after being released Friday from the Campbell County Jail, said attorney Steve Dowell.

"It appears that (Thursday's) episode is a direct result of his prescription medication," Dowell said.

"(Henley) had been treated for depression - stress-related depression from work. His employers were on notice for that. Everyone knew it. He had been on prescription medication, but there's no illegal drug use."

Newport Police Chief Tom Fromme said he was not aware Henley was taking Prozac but that officers are required to notify the department of any prescription medications they are taking.

No official disciplinary action has ever been taken against Henley, a shift supervisor, Fromme said. Interdepartmental action may have been taken before, he said, but state law prevents him from discussing details. "He's had his share of problems but overall he's been a good officer," Fromme said.

Henley was promoted to sergeant in May 1999.

Henley, a 12-year veteran who once worked as an undercover narcotics agent, was arrested about 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Dayton police, responding to a call of domestic violence, went to Henley's home on 10th Avenue, where they said he pointed an assault rifle.

Friday, Henley pleaded not guilty to three counts of felony wanton endangerment and one count of terroristic threatening.

He also pleaded not guilty to a charge of fourth-degree assault, lodged because police said he punched his wife, Vicky, in the side and slapped her face.

Dayton police have been called to Henley's home on several occasions, said Dayton Police Chief Greg Aylor, but the Newport officer does not have a criminal record.

Later Friday, Mrs. Henley helped her husband post a $5,000 cash bond to release him from jail, Dowell said.

Henley has been suspended with pay, Fromme said. The department will conduct an internal affairs investigation.
Edition: Final
Section: News
Page: 13A
Copyright 2000 The Cincinnati Post
Record Number: CNP040100213990159

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Suspect depressed, lawyer says