Memphis Police say a tip during a routine traffic stop ended with Officer Lowell Duke being indicted on drug charges. Federal agents say Duke was part of a drug operation that worked the Lamar and Cherry area. Ten people including Duke are now facing charges.
Police would not give details about Duke's role in the operation, and would not say if other officers could be involved. Federal agents will say that the operation was sophisticated. Certain people worked security, others transported the drugs. Some were sellers and others were stashers.
Police say Duke has been under investigation for several months. During that time he was been off the streets on “desk duty.” Duke told Eyewitness News he would not comment on his arrest.
Police Director Larry Godwin says “There are good police officers out there. This is a guy that chose to go the wrong way.” Godwin admits this is a blemish on the department saying, “I know it doesn’t look good for the department, but on the other hand, we are taking care of our business.”
And Godwin points out this investigation was started by police officers, “ You’ve got good cops, locking up a bad cop.”
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http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/news/local/082809_Memphis_Police_Officer_Charged_in_Drug_Investigatio
