13 current and former North Carolina and Virginia law enforcement officers indicted
RALEIGH, NC -- Federal officials said at a news conference Wednesday that 13 current and former law enforcement officers are accused of protecting cocaine and heroin shipments along the East Coast.
All were arrested Wednesday morning after a two-year undercover investigation called "Operation Rockfish".
"Corruption in local government - especially involving law enforcement - threatens the social compact that binds our communities together," said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell in a statement.
In addition to the 13, two more civilians are also charged with conspiring to distribute controlled substances and conspiring to use and carry firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking offenses.
Some are also charged with attempted extortion, attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, federal programs bribery and use and carry of firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking offenses.
Here's the full list:
-Lann Tjuan Clanton, 36, a correctional officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections;
-Ikeisha Jacobs, 32, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office;
-Jason Boone, 29, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office;
-Wardie Vincent Jr., 35, formerly of the Northampton County Sheriff's Office;
-Adrienne Moody, 39, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety;
-Cory Jackson, 43, formerly of the Northampton County Sheriff's Office;
-Jimmy Pair Jr., 48, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office;
-Curtis Boone, 31, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office;
-Antonio Tillmon, 31, a police officer with the Windsor City Police Department;
-Alaina Sue Kam Ling, 27, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety;
-Kavon Phillips, 25, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety;
-Crystal Pierce, 31, of Raleigh, North Carolina;
-Alphonso Ponton, 42, a correctional officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections;
-Thomas Jefferson Allen II, 37, a deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office; and
-Tosha Dailey, 31, a 911 dispatch operator for Northampton County.
"They vowed to protect and serve, but instead these deputies and correctional officers sold their badges and used their law enforcement positions to line their own pockets," said Special Agent in Charge Strong.
Investigators said it's a 54-count indictment. Two groups of alleged conspirators were arrested Wednesday morning in the act of helping move what they thought was a shipment of illegal drugs from a small airport and at a warehouse in Rocky Mount.
"The actions by these individuals are particularly troubling due to their current and past affiliation with law enforcement," said U.S. Attorney Walker. "Their alleged conduct was reprehensible and my office will not tolerate this kind of corruption in our district. I am grateful for the outstanding work of the FBI Special Agents who investigated this case."
The case is being investigated by the FBI's Charlotte Division, Raleigh Resident Agency, and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, with assistance from the Halifax County Sheriff's Office.
Officials said the Northhampton County Sheriff' Office and the Windsor Police Department were only made aware of the investigation Wednesday and they have pledged their cooperation.
Northampton County Sheriff Jack E. Smith told ABC11 he is committed to serving the citizen's of the county with professionalism and pride.
"Our people are not above the law and should be brought to justice just as any citizen would. I am glad to see them brought to justice," he said.
