Harrisburg, Pa. — A former police officer from North Braddock is has been charged with drug trafficking and providing sensitive law enforcement information to assist a trafficker in avoiding police.
Attorney General Michelle Henry, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police, announced charges last week, according to a news release.
Craig Gibson, 47, of McKeesport is facing charges for alleged cocaine trafficking in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Jurors with the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury 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, according to a news release.
“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,” 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 FBI initiated an investigation into the trafficking and were assisted by Pennsylvania State Police Western Organized Crime Unit, the news release reported.
Gibson was charged with felony corrupt organizations, delivery of cocaine, hindering prosecution, and other offenses. He was released on a non-monetary bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 8.
“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," Rojek added. "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.”
The collaborative investigation, which remains ongoing, involved surveillance and search warrants that provided evidence of drug trafficking, according to the AG's office.
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.
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