Related Federal Cases
- Smith Stands Trial for Public Corruption Scandal · Rhode Island
- Volkswagen AG to Plead Guilty in $4.3B Emissions Fraud Scandal · Illinois
- Former Linndale Officer J. Alicka Gets 41 Months for Drug Smuggling · Michigan
- Volkswagen Pleads Guilty to Emissions Cheating Scandal · Michigan
- Texas Man Found Guilty of Cocaine Trafficking · Michigan
Ex-Officer Pleads Guilty in Cocaine Shipment Scandal
A Highland Park police officer has pleaded guilty to conspiring with three other police officers to commit extortion and protect a shipment of cocaine, a brazen betrayal of the public’s trust.
Craig Clayton, 55, of Highland Park, Michigan, admitted in court that in late 2012 and early 2013, he agreed with three other Highland Park police officers to take money in exchange for protecting a four-kilogram shipment of cocaine.
The scheme was uncovered when Clayton accepted $1,500 in cash from an FBI informant for his work in delivering and protecting the drug shipment. Clayton drove a car containing what he believed to be two kilograms of cocaine, accompanied by his police badge and gun.
United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said, “Police officers who take bribes have no place in law enforcement. They will be prosecuted for violating their duties to serve the public.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III, added, “Police officers who swear an oath to serve and protect are held to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. The FBI is committed to ensuring those standards are maintained, and in cases of abuse, will pursue and prosecute those responsible.”
Based on his guilty plea and felony conviction for conspiring to commit extortion, Clayton is facing a maximum of twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by agents of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David A. Gardey.
Clayton’s actions are a stark reminder of the importance of trust and integrity in law enforcement. As the investigation continues, it is clear that those who abuse their positions of power will be held accountable for their crimes.
The guilty plea is a significant blow to the Highland Park Police Department, which has already been rocked by a string of scandals in recent years. As the community continues to grapple with the fallout, it is clear that justice must be served and those responsible must be brought to account.
RELATED: Metro PD Vet Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Minors
RELATED: Ex-Officer Lopez Pleads Guilty to Bribery
Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News