HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police, announced charges against a former North Braddock Police Officer for drug trafficking and providing sensitive law enforcement information to assist a trafficker in avoiding police. The 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury recently recommended charges against Craig Gibson for alleged cocaine trafficking in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. The grand jurors heard evidence presented by the Office of Attorney General that Gibson, an officer at the time, was a drug runner for another man.
Gibson also provided privileged information to the supplier so the supplier could avoid police detection, using resources available to him as a police officer. The FBI initiated an investigation into the trafficking and were assisted by Pennsylvania State Police Western Organized Crime Unit.
Gibson was charged Tuesday 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.
“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.”
“The arrest of a law enforcement officer accused of abusing his position to line his own pockets through the drug trade stands among the most dangerous and disheartening events for our community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Trust lies at the cornerstone of protecting our communities, and it is critical to carrying out that mission. This investigation emphasizes the importance the FBI and our partners place on upholding the law, no matter who you are or what position you hold.”
“Troopers and local law enforcement work tirelessly to get drug dealers off our streets and make our communities safer,” Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Adam Reed said. “When someone who is entrusted to protect our communities violates that trust by committing criminal acts, it underscores our unwavering dedication to holding members of law enforcement to the highest standards.”
The collaborative investigation, which remains ongoing, involved surveillance and search warrants that provided evidence of drug trafficking.
Investigators uncovered communications between Gibson and the supplier about police presence and locations. Gibson bragged about his access to police radios, the 9-1-1 dispatch system, and other resources that showed how many officers were on drug enforcement duties on any given night and their locations.
In all, Gibson is charged with corrupt organizations, delivery of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, hindering apprehension or prosecution, obstructing administration of law, recklessly endangering another person, and criminal conspiracy.
Gibson will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section. All charges are accusations. The defendant is innocent unless proven guilty.