Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Saturday, September 7, 2013
(SALEM) - Washington County Sheriff Detective Todd Combs and the county Drug Task Force were recognized Thursday afternoon by US Attorney Joseph Hogsett.
Kate Wehlann of the Salem Leader reports that Combs was presented with a United States Attorney Award for the work he and his team did to investigate and bring to justice Hermion Torres and Freddie Joe Taylor, who were involved with a drug and gun ring operating between the US and Mexico.
According to a press release from the Department of Justice, the organization was responsible for the distribution of large amounts of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines throughout southern Indiana and Kentucky.The investigation ultimately revealed a network of gun straw purchasers who obtained firearms for Torres in Indiana, whish were later traded to the Mexico-based Gulf Cartel, an international criminal organization.
The US Attorney Award was established in 2003 to recognize outstanding law enforcement work in Hoosier communities as part of federal investigations and prosecutions.
The Washington County Sheriff's Department was one of only six local law enforcement agencies in the state to receive this award.
For Sheriff Claude Combs, any Washington County law enforcement team winning such an award would be something to be proud of, but even more so when his son Todd was involved.
Combs says when it comes to drugs, you don't win wars, you win battles and the team has been very successful in the past five years in winning those battles.
Todd and the Drug Task Force worked with a number of other federal and state law enforcement offices, using several investigative techniques to bring those behind the illicit trade-offs to justice.
"The work of Detective Combs on this case is an example of law enforcement at its best," Hogsett said in a press release. "This was a complicated case with many moving parts, but selfless dedication and tireless work of our partners here in Washington County helped ensure that these criminals won't terrorize this area ever again."
Hogsett said Todd and his fellow officers in the Drug Task Force in Washington County have done an outstanding job. It's an outstanding group of local law enforcement officials who are dedicated to keeping Washington County as safe and as peaceful as it can possibly be.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.