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Last updated on Friday, March 23, 2007
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A former Marion County sheriff’s reserve deputy is in trouble with the law.
Federal and local law enforcement officials Thursday announced charges against 26 year old Christopher Spaulding for allegedly trafficking marijuana, while on duty and while in uniform. Along with him, Spaulding's wife Brandi and mother Darlene are facing charges, as well as 4 other people.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Morrison says Spaulding allegedly made a traffic stop while in uniform and shook down what he thought was a drug dealer for $7000 dollars. Morrison says that dealer was actually an undercover Indiana State Police officer. All 7 people were allegedly part of a drug trafficking ring. Spaulding has been relieved of duty.
A trial date has been set for May 14th, in front of Federal Judge Sarah Evans Barker. If convicted, Spaulding faces millions of dollars in fines and a possible life sentence in prison because he allegedly had his sheriff's department issued gun on him during some of the alleged incidents.
Morrison says the investigation began back in November, with the arrests taking place Thursday.
The other people facing charges are 39-year-old Steven Keller, 24-year-old Dustin Adams, 27-year-old Christopher Johns, and 25-year-old Natasha Nix.
Officials say no other police officers were involved, but would not say how they learned about Spaulding's alleged activities.
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