Circuit Judge Lex Short will hear the case against a former Andalusia Police Department officer charged in 2008 with a number of drug offenses and solicitation during next week’s criminal court term.

The Covington County Drug Task Force arrested Joshua Chad Wood at an Andalusia motel during an undercover operation conducted in June of 2008. The then-APD K-9 officer was charged with distribution of a controlled substance, complicity, drug trafficking and solicitation (prostitution).

Less that a week later, Andalusia Police Chief Wilbur Williams terminated Wood, after determining the evidence against him was “overwhelming,” according to Star-News files.

If convicted, Wood could receive a jail sentence ranging from two to 20 years for his distribution offense and an additional sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison for his trafficking offense.

District Attorney Walt Merrell said the Woods case is expected to be tried Thursday and Friday of next week.

On Monday, Judge Short will hear the state’s case against Wayne Wise, one of whom was charged with possession of a controlled substance in 2008.

On Tuesday, the 2009 case for bribery and intimidation against Mary Covington is expected to go to trial. Merrell said Covington is accused of using the means to get a child to change her story in a sexual abuse case against Covington’s family members.

Thirty-five of the 45 cases set for next week’s criminal court docket have already been settled, Merrell said.