MONTGOMERY, AL – The blue wall cracked in Wilcox County. Former Deputy Sheriff Greg Barge, 45, of Camden, Alabama, is headed to federal prison after admitting to a brazen cocaine trafficking scheme, the Department of Justice announced yesterday. Barge received a 90-month sentence from District Court Judge Mark E. Fuller, followed by three years of supervised release. The fall from grace for the once-trusted officer is a stark reminder that the badge doesn’t offer immunity from the law.
Court records paint a damning picture. Between April 10, 2013, and June 26, 2013, Barge allegedly used his position and county vehicle to ferry what he *believed* to be multiple kilograms of cocaine powder between Montgomery and Camden. The “cocaine” turned out to be a fake substance, but Barge didn’t know that. On April 10th, he pocketed $700 for transporting 2 kilograms. He upped the ante on May 7th, hauling 3 kilograms for a $1200 payout. The scheme unraveled on June 26th when Barge was arrested in Camden after delivering another 3 kilograms of the bogus powder.
The details are particularly galling. Barge wasn’t operating in the shadows. He conducted these illicit runs *in full uniform*, complete with his issued firearm. He leveraged the authority of his office to facilitate a criminal enterprise. U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. didn’t mince words: “Wearing a badge and uniform does not provide immunity from breaking the law,” he stated. “Whether a county deputy, city police officer, or federal agent, wrongdoers will be punished.”
The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the Alabama Department of Public Safety, underscores the ongoing battle against corruption within law enforcement. FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert F. Lasky emphasized the commitment to rooting out bad actors: “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to utilize all resources to investigate those who have taken an oath to serve and protect our communities and use their position as a public servant to shield their criminal activities and violate the trust of those they serve.”
Barge’s case serves as a chilling example of how easily trust can be exploited. While the vast majority of law enforcement officers uphold the law with integrity, individuals like Barge stain the profession and erode public confidence. The 90-month sentence sends a clear message: abusing a position of power for personal gain will be met with serious consequences.
First Assistant United States Attorney Clark Morris prosecuted the case. Anyone with information regarding potential public corruption is urged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.
PRESS CONTACT: Clark Morris
Email: usaalm.press@usdoj.gov
Telephone: (334) 551-1755
Fax: (334) 223-7617
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Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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