Scandals involving illegal drugs and associated crimes have pretty much become commonplace in the nation. When these crimes are committed, citizens rely on law enforcement officials to offer them protection by arresting perpetrators and bringing them to justice. But time and time again, citizens have witnessed that sometimes, the very authorities that are supposed to be primarily concerned with public safety are the very figures who are also engaged in illegal activity. The existence of “crooked cops” is not a new phenomenon. Civilians have witnessed this misconduct exhibited by law enforcement since the institution has been established. When these officials are exposed and punished, it is often a public spectacle. These instances serve as a reminder that law enforcement officials are not infallible and are capable of making mistakes.
A recent example of this misconduct recently transpired in North Carolina and Virginia, when more than a dozen cops were busted for being apart of a massive drug stint. The undercover operation, known as “Operation Rockfish,” had been actively under siege for nearly a year and a half.
According to recent articles, eight law enforcement officers, four correctional officers, and two prison employees were arrested for serving as escorts and distributors in a drug trafficking operation involving heroin and cocaine. They assisted civilians with trafficking the illegal substances up and down the 1-95 corridor in North Carolina.
The most shocking part of this scandal was the arrests of 11 Northampton County, North Carolina police officers. The arrests made by the FBI, DEA and other agencies immensely shocked fellow employees, members of the community and family members alike. County Sheriff Jack Smith expressed his emotions pertaining to the entire ordeal.
“I'm hurt and surprised. I'm shocked and appalled at these types of indictments,” Smith told the media. “We can't tolerate this type of behavior, especially from law enforcement. They've let me down. They've let the sheriff's office down. They've let the citizens down as well as their families. Most of them have children and they've let them down as well.”
All 14 defendants were recently indicted on numerous charges. These charges included counts of bribery, the use of a firearm and the conspiracy to distribute illegal narcotics. Thorough investigations made during the course of the operation revealed that the law enforcement agents protected the shipments of drugs in exchange for thousands of dollars. And according to a prosecutor, when confronted with evidence of their involvement, the participants all gave some form of a confession.
The FBI claims that there is a possibility that other arrests may be made.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have been accused and arrested under the suspicion that you committed a criminal offense, you should take full advantage of your right to an attorney. A legal professional can help you reduce these charges or get them completely dismissed. Contact Caulder & Valentine today for a consultation.
