TERRE HAUTE —
Two Terre Haute Police detectives who helped crack a prison-based drug trafficking organization have been honored by U.S. Attorney Joseph Hogsett.
Denzil Lewis and Stephen Lockard received the 2012 U.S. Attorney Award for their work in the investigation of the Wesley Hammond drug trafficking organization. Hammond directed a drug distribution ring from a New Castle prison using a cellular phone that had been smuggled in.
Hogsett was at THPD on Tuesday to recognize the two officers during a news conference. The awards were presented to Lewis and Lockard last week.
The U.S. Attorney Award was established in 2003 to recognize outstanding law enforcement work. Fewer than three dozen awards have been given, and THPD was one of only five local law enforcement agencies to be recognized.
Lockard said a local investigation into drug trafficking activities in Terre Haute led back to Hammond.
“Once we realized that,” Lewis said, “we were able to present the information to federal authorities, and they stepped in and brought in their resources.”
The investigation involved the interception of four cellular telephones in March 2010. Investigators discovered that the Hammond organization was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley. The investigation culminated in the arrest and conviction of 30 defendants for meth trafficking and related offenses.
Hogsett said Lewis and Lockard helped coordinate physical surveillance during the lengthy investigation. They also participated in drug interdiction activities and other investigative efforts, during which police seized about 1 pound of meth, 200 pounds of marijuana and more than $100,000 in currency. The prosecution resulted in five life sentences and several other sentences for the defendants.
“The work of Detectives Lewis and Lockard on this case is an example of law enforcement at its best,” Hogsett said. “This was a complicated case with many moving parts, but the selfless dedication and tireless work of our partners here in Terre Haute helped ensure that these criminals won’t terrorize this area ever again.”
Hogsett said that today’s law enforcement agencies are interdependent, and the days of agencies staying in their own jurisdiction and investigating their own cases should be over.
“We are lucky to have collaboration in the Southern District of Indiana,” he said of the multi-county region that he represents as U.S. Attorney.
Reporter Lisa Trigg can be reached at 812-231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com. Follow her on Twitter @TribStarLisa.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Team work: U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett congratulates Terre Haute Police Department Det. Steve Lockard on a job well done after Hogsett announced the presentation of U.S. Attorney awards to Lockard and fellow detective Denzil Lewis on Tuesday at the police headquarters.
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Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Stopping meth: Terre Haute Police Department Detective Denzil Lewis describes how he and fellow detective Steve Lockard's work contributed to the stop of drug trafficking during a press conference Tuesday at police headquarters.
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U.S. Attorney honors THPD detectives
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