| U.S. Attorney’s Office July 19, 2013 |
LITTLE ROCK, AR—Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas; Randall C. Coleman, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Colonel Stan Witt, Director of the Arkansas State Police, announced that Sedrick Reed, age 43, and Lamont M. Johnson, age 45, both of Little Rock, were arrested and charged by federal complaint yesterday with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine. Both have an initial appearance scheduled for 2 p.m. today before United States Magistrate Judge J. Thomas Ray.
The complaint alleges that Reed, who at the time of the investigation was an Arkansas State Police (ASP) lieutenant with full oversight of the Troop A evidence vault, broke the evidence seal on a box of cocaine held in evidence and removed cocaine more than once for distribution. The investigation revealed that he was selling the cocaine to Johnson. The allegations in support of the criminal complaint are set forth in the complaint affidavit.
“It’s a very sad day when a law enforcement officer violates the public trust,” stated Thyer. “Thankfully, because of the integrity and leadership at the Arkansas State Police, information regarding Lt. Reed’s illegal actions was turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ferret out the dishonesty by one of their own. The ASP continued to provide cooperation throughout this investigation which has led to the charges Mr. Reed faces today.”
“Yesterday’s arrest was a result of the collaborative efforts of the ArkTrust Public Corruption Task Force,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Randall C. Coleman. “The allegations against Lieutenant Reed are among the most serious and important that we investigate. When we receive credible allegations of law enforcement corruption, we will follow the facts where they lead us, as we want Arkansans to continue to trust in the vast majority of officers who respect their oath and who are committed to public service.”
Colonel Witt stated, “We have worked alongside the FBI since the case was opened and regardless of where an investigation of this type may lead, even if it’s among our own ranks, the state police will always be accountable to the citizens and the laws they expect us to enforce.”
If convicted, both Reed and Johnson face not more than 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both with not less than three years’ supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the ArkTrust Public Corruption Task Force led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Little Rock Police Department with full cooperation from the Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Givens and Julie Peters are prosecuting this case for the United States.
The charges set forth in a complaint are merely allegations. A federal grand jury will decide whether to indict on these charges. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The complaint alleges that Reed, who at the time of the investigation was an Arkansas State Police (ASP) lieutenant with full oversight of the Troop A evidence vault, broke the evidence seal on a box of cocaine held in evidence and removed cocaine more than once for distribution. The investigation revealed that he was selling the cocaine to Johnson. The allegations in support of the criminal complaint are set forth in the complaint affidavit.
“It’s a very sad day when a law enforcement officer violates the public trust,” stated Thyer. “Thankfully, because of the integrity and leadership at the Arkansas State Police, information regarding Lt. Reed’s illegal actions was turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ferret out the dishonesty by one of their own. The ASP continued to provide cooperation throughout this investigation which has led to the charges Mr. Reed faces today.”
“Yesterday’s arrest was a result of the collaborative efforts of the ArkTrust Public Corruption Task Force,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Randall C. Coleman. “The allegations against Lieutenant Reed are among the most serious and important that we investigate. When we receive credible allegations of law enforcement corruption, we will follow the facts where they lead us, as we want Arkansans to continue to trust in the vast majority of officers who respect their oath and who are committed to public service.”
Colonel Witt stated, “We have worked alongside the FBI since the case was opened and regardless of where an investigation of this type may lead, even if it’s among our own ranks, the state police will always be accountable to the citizens and the laws they expect us to enforce.”
If convicted, both Reed and Johnson face not more than 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both with not less than three years’ supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the ArkTrust Public Corruption Task Force led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Little Rock Police Department with full cooperation from the Arkansas State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Givens and Julie Peters are prosecuting this case for the United States.
The charges set forth in a complaint are merely allegations. A federal grand jury will decide whether to indict on these charges. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.