NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (WHTM) – A former police officer in Allegheny County has been charged for allegedly dealing cocaine and providing law enforcement information to a drug trafficker to avoid police.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police, announced charges Wednesday against former North Braddock Police Officer Craig Gibson.
The charges were recommended by the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury alleging cocaine trafficking in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. The Attorney General’s office says the investigation found evidence of Gibson being a “drug runner” and supplying sensitive law enforcement information to a supplier to avoid detection.
Gibson was charged with felony corrupt organizations, delivery of cocaine, hindering prosecution, and other offenses. Gibson was released on a non-monetary bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 8th at 1 p.m.
The FBI initiated an investigation into the trafficking and were assisted by Pennsylvania State Police Western Organized Crime Unit. The investigation, which remains ongoing, involved surveillance where the Attorney General’s office says Gibson bragged about his access to police radios, 911 dispatch systems, and other resources.
“This collaborative investigation uncovered a cocaine trafficking ring that allegedly involved an officer of the law participating in the dealing and using his resources as an officer to shield the operation from police detection,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “When law enforcement officers break the law they are sworn to uphold, it undermines the entire criminal justice system and scars the reputations of the many officers making daily sacrifices to keep us all safe.”
