Harvey, county cops indicted in FBI drug sting

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BY DAN HINKEL
dhinkel@nwitimes.com
219.852.4317 | Tuesday, December 02, 2008 | (43 comment(s))

CHICAGO | Fifteen Chicago-area law enforcement officers accused of providing armed security for large-scale drug deals "sold out their badge" during the course of a broad anti-drug sting, a federal law enforcement official said Tuesday.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's comments at the Dirksen Federal building came during a news conference detailing charges against four Harvey police officers, 10 Cook County Sheriff's Department officers and one Chicago police officer who are among 17 people charged with helping to broker and guard purported drug deals that were set up by federal agents.

Police and drug dealers shouldn't mix, Fitzgerald said.

"They ought to be afraid of the police, not turning to them for help," he said.

The 17 defendants are accused of accepting between $400 and $4,000 each on one or more occasions to serve as lookouts during a dozen different drug transactions of kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin.

In two cases, officers met planes arriving at a suburban airport believing they were piloted by drug runners, and guarded duffel bags of supposed narcotics as they were taken to drop-off points -- retail and hotel parking lots in Homewood, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Matteson and Bolingbrook -- for collection by "dealers."

But the pilots were federal agents, as were the dealers. And the individual who brokered the drug transactions as an employee of an unidentified-Harvey business was an undercover FBI agent who became the hub in multiple spokes of corruption.

Charged in connection with the case are:

-- Harvey Police officers Archie Stallworth, 36, of Harvey; Dwayne Williams, 42, of Country Club Hills; Antoine D. Dudley, 28, of Harvey and James Engram Jr., 41, of Calumet City.

-- Cook County Sheriff's correctional officers Ahyetora A. Taylor, 28, and Raphael Manuel, 32, of Glenwood.

-- Cook County Sheriff's officers Diallo S. Mingo, 34, of Calumet City; Antwon Funches, 34, of Chicago; Timothy Funches Jr., 26, of Chicago; Daniel L. Lee, 31, of Chicago; Julius L. Scott Jr., 34, of Richton Park; Richard O. Hall, Jr., 35, of Chicago; Robert L. Kelly, Jr., 32, of Glenwood and Jermaine E. Bell, 37, of Lynwood.

-- Chicago police officer Kyle T. Wilson, 31, of Chicago.

Taylor and Bell are both members of the Army National Guard serving in Afghanistan, warrants have been issued for their arrests.

Also charged are Antonio B. McCaskill, 30, of Harvey and Tavis Ramsey, 31, of Chicago, who are not law enforcement officers.

The defendants are scheduled to make initial court appearances at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

"Ideally, it should be hard to find one corrupt police officer and it should never be easy to find 15 who allegedly used their guns and badges to protect people they believed were dealing drugs instead of arresting them," Fitzgerald said in a prepared statement issued Tuesday afternoon.

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the FBI, echoed those sentiments.

"The almost systemic corruption that this investigation uncovered is quite troubling, especially given that most of those charged are sworn law enforcement officers, " Grant said. "One would have hoped that the many public corruption investigations that have previously been announced would have served to deter this type of conduct. Apparently, that is not the case."

According to a prepared statement from Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart, each of the Cook County officers charged will be suspended with pay pending a hearing next week. He said protocol requires the department to request each officer be suspended without pay, which will can then lead to a request for termination.

Dart said his agency in January uncovered evidence of alleged wrong-doing by some of those charged Tuesday.

"In the course of that investigation, we learned the FBI had been pursuing the same men for five months," said Dart, who commended the work of Cook County and FBI investigators. "Though we had been aggressively pursuing a case, we withheld action, pursuant to a request by the FBI, allowing their agents to complete their investigation, which led to the charges announced today."

Harvey Police officials were preparing a statement Tuesday morning on the FBI's arrests, city Spokeswoman Sandra Alvarado said. Harvey Mayor Eric Kellogg likely will not speak about the investigation today, she said.

FBI agents converged on the Harvey Police Department Tuesday morning, an FBI spokeswoman confirmed, declining to reveal more about the nature of the investigation.

Brenda Thompson, a 2007 Harvey mayoral candidate, called Tuesday a sad day for the city.

"I know that if there is corruption in the police department there's corruption in the city. The police department is supposed to keep us safe," she said, adding the federal investigation is a good start toward a new day.

"This is the beginning and hopefully justice will prevail in Harvey. We deserve better," Thompson said.

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Chicago, who represents Harvey and pushed for an investigation into its police department more than two years ago after issues arose unrelated to Tuesday's charges, said the federal investigation could remove "crooked cops from the beat for a long, long time."

"It’s a tragic day when the FBI must play crime-stopper against a local police department," he said. "But I welcome it and the citizens welcome it."

-- Times Staff Writer Deborah Laverty and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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RoadPreacher wrote on Dec 14, 2008 7:31 AM:

" what has become of our society??? I feel so much sadness for the families who have to endure these offenders actions....it only takes one bad mistake to ruin your whole life....let us pray for the innocent loved ones of these who are charged....pray for their futures.....wow.....it's so sad...no matter how hard the times get out here you cannot bow to illegal activity or you kill your entire purposed and destiny....I know one of the charged but I haven't seen or talked to them in a long time....what do you do besides pray.....that's all I can do now. "

saddened wrote on Dec 9, 2008 12:06 PM:

" It makes me sick to constantly hear about all the bad harvey cops. Sure there is corruption and it needs to end but some of us harvey police officers are hard working god fearing respectable people stop judging harvey police as a whole it is the individuals that are bad not all of us "

Back To Dart Take Over wrote on Dec 6, 2008 2:50 PM:

" They were County Cook Correction Officers working in the Jail, The Cook County Sheriff Police Should take over, they are not the same "

hmmm wrote on Dec 6, 2008 8:02 AM:

" to serve and protect! whats wrong with this picture? Now we cant trust the police either. "

Patriot wrote on Dec 5, 2008 6:02 PM:

" To: Insane Drug War and Jay

You guys are right on. Even though this article is more about corrupt cops then it is about the legalization of drugs, the fact still remains that the "DRUG WAR" is a business that the government spends billions on. With that said, why would any cop want to win the war on drugs when they would just be working themselves out of a job??? Duh... They don't ever want it to end. There's too much money involved in illegal drug trafficing for both sides. From the small time cops like these guys, to the guys at the highest positions in government. Its not just the drug lords getting rich. They all benefit from drug sales in some way or another while thousands get murdered and more get wrongfully sent to prison each year. "

COPTHUG wrote on Dec 5, 2008 5:11 PM:

" THIS IS WHY MOST PEOPLE DO NOT RESPECT THE POLICE! IS SURE DONT!!! "

Bout Time wrote on Dec 5, 2008 3:54 PM:

" Next stop is Lake County. E.C., Hammond, and top your list off at Rudy Clay's depot.

But remember, Scherreville and Crown Point..most of the big shots came from Illinois.

While your at it, since there's a job shortage, start with Daley and his patronage army. Move to Stroger, than take the aforementioned suggestions. We taxpayers are SICK of the politicians acting worse than a regular street drug dealer. "

Go Da Region wrote on Dec 5, 2008 8:10 AM:

" Da Region:

Couldn't have said it better!

Amen "

Allen Gilbert wrote on Dec 4, 2008 11:13 PM:

" What fails me is the fact that the FBI and the US Attorneys' Office only stopped with 12 officers. They could have gotten Police Chiefs, Politicians, etc.... "

Jay wrote on Dec 4, 2008 10:46 PM:

" I sure wish people would educate themselves on the direct correlation between drugs and crime. Believe it or not, it maintains a DIRECT trlationship between SUPPLY and DEMAND. Drugs ARE NOT going to go away by means of enforcement and punishment. Mind-Altering substances have been used for over 10,000 YEARS people! Do you seriously beleive the hogwash of PROHIBITION will stop DEMAND. Oh Yeah, look what happened with booze...Please read a RESPECTED scientific study on the matter before commenting on something. And people also seem to think that Police, FBI, and the DEA are somehow immune from the "Supply & Demand"...I mean "Drug War." "

very sad wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:29 PM:

" what a shame. the hypocrysy of this whole SITUATION is uncanny! to serve and protect the "dealer"? i wonder how many little kids then bought from the "protected ones"?

thank God the FBI put an end to this!

to all the good cops out there ... keep your chins up! "

Get them all wrote on Dec 4, 2008 8:19 AM:

" I see a lot of corruption out there with the people who wear the badge.We the citizens want positive leaders of our communities who not just uphold the the but live by it.FBI keep up the good work!! "

Police wrote on Dec 3, 2008 11:07 PM:

" Nick Graves wasn't any better than Eric Kellog. Same circus, different clown.. "

police wrote on Dec 3, 2008 12:27 PM:

" Nick Graves for Mayor!!!!!!! I second that.... "

East Chicago wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:58 AM:

" We need the FEDS to come out to East Chicago, boy would they be surprised! "

A FRIEND wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:35 PM:

" I FEEL SORRRY FOR THE OFFICERS FAMILIES. DADDY WAS NOT THINKING. "

Dix E. Square wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:25 PM:

" I'm sure Kellogg will have something to say about the case, just as soon as he gets done fighting the imaginary War on Crime(tm) in his head. That farce exists in the same Fantasy Land where he sees himself as a benevolent leader loved by all citizens of Harvey, who needs to be surrounded by four bodyguards at all times because he's so revered. Assistant School Superintendent, Liquor Commissioner, Building Inspector, Part-Time Cop, Mayor...all he's missing is the "S" on his chest. I want to be Eric J. Kellogg when I grow up. "

DA REGION wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:34 PM:

" They need to sting both Lake and Porter County in NWI. Just because the majority of the officers in these counties break petty laws on a regular basis. Doesn't mean they shouldn't be made an example of. Majority of these officers feel these badges represent perks of the jobs. BIG MISREPRESENTATION!

LEAD BY EXAMPLE!
TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR JOB.
QUIT BREAKING LAWS AND START INFLUENCES OTHERS AROUND YOU TO FOLLOW ORDER IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!!!! POSITIVE INFLUENCES "

just asking wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:13 PM:

" Do you think you could send those FBI agents right around the the lake and continue into the NWI area? "

coh wrote on Dec 2, 2008 5:57 PM:

" Nick Graves for Mayor! "

To the fact wrote on Dec 2, 2008 5:36 PM:

" Just so I understand, anyone who thinks they are not paid enough can break the law!!!! stupid is as stupid does. So all the white collar crimes are commited by poor white collar workers, DA! They knew the pay when they signed on. You don't get it, most corrupt officals think they are above the law, thats why they do it. Throw away the key!!! "

harvey mama wrote on Dec 2, 2008 5:34 PM:

" its about time the harvey regime went down.....lets finally bring justice to the people of such a deserving city "

Stop the Insane War wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:45 PM:

" It is EXACTLY about the 'Drug War'; corrupt cops are just one small part of the big picture. Have someone teach you how to think for yourself. "

olblue wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:28 PM:

" Hey Feds, how about a stop in Northwest Indiana? "

The Fact wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:24 PM:

" If police made more than 40,000 a year maybe they would not be tempted to take bribes. Just goes to show that police officers need to be paid more!!!!!!!!!!! "

Stop the Insane War wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:22 PM:

" Only a fool would believe killing thousands of people and putting millions in prison will stop drug abuse. Don't believe that? Open your eyes and see for yourself! STOP THE WAR! NOW! "

To Stop the Insane War wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:13 PM:

" It's not about the "Drug War". It's about corrupt cops. Put the BONG down, and have someone read the article to you. "

Sandi Cogan wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:05 PM:

" Sorry to read this. There are still plenty of honorable men and women wearing those uniforms from those units.
Find them. "

War on Drugs is JUST wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:50 PM:

" Only a fool would believe it O.K. to legalize drugs. Dont believe that?, go to a rehab clinic and spend some time with an addict. There is a direct connection between addiction and crime. People who would never do wrong before addiction can tell of moral compasses being clouded and eventually broken by drugs. "

mary wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:49 PM:

" We have the same things going on in all communities, even Munster and Highland. I'm not suggesting law enforcement is involved - I don't know. What I do know is, there are more drug dealers, users, etc. than police. If our National Guards weren't so tied up in Iraq, I think it's time to send in the troops to Gary, Hammond, East Chicago and wherever else there seems to be a big drug problem. Make sure they carry guns and USE them if necessary. The drug dealers have no respect for life, theirs or others. Unfortunately, you have to fight fire with fire. We MUST take back our streets and neighborhoods if we are to survive as a civilized country. "

Stop the Insane War wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:28 PM:

" How's that nasty Drug War working out for you? You still haven't figured it out yet, have you? For the intellectually challenged out there, PROHIBITION DOES NOT WORK! STOP THIS HORRIBLE WAR ON DRUGS! NOW! "

concerned citizen wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:13 PM:

" Sheriff's Police Officers have cleaned up Ford Heights. And they can clean up Harvey as well....... "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:09 PM:

" The 10 Cook County officers are NOT police officers, they are Correctional officers. They are not Cook County Sheriff's Police officers. "

Da Dem. wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:09 PM:

" I hope they are all republicans "

e.c. wrote on Dec 2, 2008 2:24 PM:

" can you tell the FBI to stop in east chicago and check whats going on here. we citizens would truly love a good christmas present from you. "

To Dart Take Over wrote on Dec 2, 2008 2:10 PM:

" 10 of the "cops" are Cook County Sheriff's Police. "

Me wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:45 PM:

" WoW
Law Enforcement Job Openings!
Inquire Above. "

Dart Take Over wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:45 PM:

" Its time for the Cook County Sheriff police to take over policing. Sheriff Dart should start now, Cook County Sheriff Police took over Ford Heights and things are a lot better. "

Unbelievable wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:18 PM:

" Is this what this world is coming to that we can't even trust law enforcement? They are supposed to be protecting the tax payers from scum like this, but instead they fall right in line with them. All in the name of the almighty dollar. God Bless the men & women who defend us abroad & in our neighborhoods. Those who move to the darker side...have fun in your cold, grey jail cell. "

Unbelievable wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:09 PM:

" NO, cops were involved? That is unheard of! "

ex-resident wrote on Dec 2, 2008 1:00 PM:

" Same ole Harvey! "

K wrote on Dec 2, 2008 12:59 PM:

" So, what else is new. This has been going on for decades. "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Dec 2, 2008 12:33 PM:

" It's about time "

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