A Honolulu police officer made his initial appearance in court yesterday on a federal drug charge and prosecutors have filed a motion that the three-year veteran be held without bail because they said he poses a "danger to the community."

James Leslie Corn Jr. was arrested Thursday and charged with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crystal methamphetamine. If convicted, he would face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a $4 million fine.

He remains in federal custody pending a hearing on the government's motion that is set for Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Leslie Kobayashi. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday before Magistrate Kevin Chang.

Corn is accused of getting paid $1,000 to provide protection for a two-pound crystal methamphetamine deal in a sting operation set up by undercover officers.

Corn is being represented by federal Assistant Public Defender Pamela Byrne, who could not be reached for comment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Muehleck is prosecuting the case.

Muehleck said the government wants Corn held without bail because of the seriousness of the charge.

"There's an allegation that he is a flight risk and a danger and people involved in large quantities of methamphetamine pose a danger to the community," Muehleck said. "There is a presumption of flight and dangerousness with this type of drug."

Corn was arrested Thursday after he received money from one of the undercover officers, according to a federal affidavit attached to the criminal complaint.

According to the affidavit by a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Corn also admitted after his arrest that he has been addicted to cocaine and sold small quantities of the drug last year.

The affidavit said an undercover officer called Corn Thursday and asked for assistance. The undercover officer said he wanted Corn's help for "protection" in a 2-pound ice deal.

The officer showed the ice that was in a black backpack and explained he would signal Corn when the officer saw the money. Corn would then give the ice to the customer.

The two later entered an unnamed restaurant with Corn carrying the backpack. The undercover officer met at a separate table with a second undercover officer who had a bag of money.

When the first officer gave a signal, Corn brought over the backpack and placed it on the table.

About 20 minutes later in the parking lot, the first undercover officer gave Corn $1,000 for his service. Corn told the officer to call him anytime he needed help, the document said.

Corn was arrested.

The affidavit said Corn agreed to cooperate. He also admitted supplying protection, but denied seeing the ice.

Corn, however, said he was "suspicious that there was dope involved," the document said.

Police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said the department suspended the officer's police powers last year as part of a separate investigation.

Yu said the arrest resulted from a joint operation by HPD, DEA and the Hawai'i High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which is a partnership of federal, state and county law enforcement agencies.

In a brief statement yesterday, Police Chief Boisse Correa said he was "very disappointed" with the officer's arrest.

"But we will continue to work hard to do whatever is necessary to maintain the department's integrity and the public's confidence," Correa said.

Corn's arrest this week was not the first time he was under investigation by either federal or local authorities. On Feb. 21, Corn was accused of pushing the owner of Larry's Discount Wheel and Tire in Waipahu, according to one of the company's managers.

Michanne Miller, a manager, said she and owner Larry Woodward reported the incident and were interviewed by police internal affairs officers. She also said the two were subpoenaed to appear before an O'ahu grand jury next month.

Miller said Corn came to the store with pothole damage to his tire and demanded a free tire. When he was told he couldn't get one, he became upset and started pushing Woodward, she said.

Corn told the owner he could do anything he wanted because he was a police officer, Miller said. When the owner asked to see his badge, Corn grabbed his crotch and told him that was his badge, according to Miller.

She said they later received threats over the phone.

The city Prosecutor's Office declined to comment on any grand jury proceedings. A police spokesperson could not be reached for comment on the incident.

Yesterday's arrest also was the latest in a string of legal problems involving Honolulu police officers in the past year.

Earlier this year, federal agents searched the homes of six officers as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that the officers helped to set up and protect illegal cockfights in exchange for items of value. No charges have been filed in this investigation.

In May, Harold Cabbab, a 10-year veteran of the force, pleaded guilty to stealing what he thought was crystal methamphetamine and cocaine in a federal sting operation. He faces a prison term of 10 years to life when he is sentenced next month.

Muehleck said he did not feel that the recent problems with these officers reflected the department as a whole.

"It's a very good law enforcement entity," Muehleck said. "The allegations against the police officer are serious and I think this is an exception rather than the rule."

Reach Ken Kobayashi at kkobayashi@honoluluadvertiser.com and Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.