FBI Arrests Baltimore
City Cop Accused Of Distributing Drugs
BALTIMORE
(WJZ) — Corruption on the force. A Baltimore City police officer is arrested by
the FBI–accused of conspiring to distribute drugs. It’s part of a federal crackdown
to root out corrupt cops.
Monique
Griego has more on the charges against him.
That
officer is accused of being involved in the dealing of heroin, crack, cocaine
and marijuana.
On
Thursday, federal agents arrested Officer Kendell Richburg, 36, for allegedly
being involved in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack and
marijuana.
“His
job was to pursue armed drug dealers, but he became an armed drug dealer,” said
Rod Rosenstein.
U.S.
Attorney Rod Rosenstein says Baltimore City Police worked with the FBI to
investigate the case. According to a federal indictment obtained by WJZ,
Richburg was involved in a drug scheme that stretched from June 2011 to October
2012. In addition to the drug charges, investigators say he was using illegal
firearms.
Baltimore
City Police say Richburg worked in the Northwestern District. He was part of a
task force that focused on violent crimes.
Last
year, another Baltimore City police officer, Daniel Redd, was sentenced to 20
years in prison for dealing heroin while on the job.
Rosenstein
says recently the FBI beefed up the amount of resources and agents dedicated to
rooting out corruption. So while the
arrest of a crooked cop is never good, he says at least it shows someone is
watching.
“Perhaps
this case coming on the heels of other cases will send a pretty powerful
message and deter anyone who might be tempted to violate the law,” he said.
On
Tuesday, Richburg has a hearing in federal court. That’s when we may learn more
details about the alleged drug operation.
Richburg
is currently being held without bail. He is a 13-year veteran of the force.