(New York Times, 2.2.1994)

Mr. Dennis Buckely, mayor of Asbury Park, New Jersey, was arrested

on Monday afternoon under the charge of buying cocaine at the bar

across the street from his office at City Hall.

"Our information tells us he has been a cocaine user for five years

and has been buying it at this location since taking office last July,"

said the prosecutor, John Kaye.

Mr. Buckey, whose arrest resulted from continuing narcotics

investigastions by FBI and DEA, had been outspoken as mayor

against drugs. "He was elected on a strong law-enforcement platform

and he cooperated with us to get out tactical narcotics squad in

Asbury park," said Mr. Vaccaro, mayor's friend and political support.

If convicted of the formal charges of possession of cocaine and

conspirancy to possess cocaine, Mr. Buckely would automatically lost

his office under state law.