Officer accused of extorting money, drugs

SOUTH BEND – A former city police officer has been accused of threatening to arrest someone during a traffic stop unless the person turned over drugs and money, the U.S. attorney’s office said.\nHaven Freeman, 31, surrendered to federal authorities Monday after being indicted by a federal grand jury. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond after making his initial appearance in U.S. District Court.\nHe is charged with extorting money and drugs under “color of official right,” violating the controlled substances act and unlawful use and carry of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime in summer 2005.\nFreeman could not be reached for comment Tuesday by The Associated Press because he has an unlisted telephone number.\nThe indictment alleges Freeman possessed 100 grams or less of a substance that contained heroin. Court documents indicate that Freeman also threatened to separate the person in the traffic stop from a child unless he or she relinquished the drugs and money.\nFreeman resigned in March 2006 after serving 3 1/2 years on the force.