A North Carolina cop has been arrested after “trying to sell 56 grams of cocaine for $ 2,600 while in uniform and sitting in his police car”
- Raleigh police officer Kevan Rodriguez, 33, was detained by DEA agents on Wednesday after a judge issued an arrest warrant.
- It is alleged that on January 24, Rodriguez met with a confidential informant and sold them 56 grams of cocaine in exchange for $ 2,600 in cash.
- The cable informant spoke to Rodriguez through the right passenger window of his patrol car, and the transaction was recorded and monitored live by agents.
- Members of the Raleigh Police Department and the DEA were informed by two confidential sources about a police officer selling drugs in Raleigh last year
- Rodriguez appeared in court for the first time on Thursday and faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison if convicted and a maximum life sentence.
- He was released on unpaid administrative leave pending the results of domestic and federal investigations.
A North Carolina The officer is accused of selling 56 grams of cocaine for $ 2,600 while in uniform and sitting in his patrol car, according to federal prosecutors.
Raleigh Kevan Rodriguez, a 33-year-old police officer, was detained by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Wednesday after a judge issued an arrest warrant, U.S. Attorney Michael Isley told a news conference.
Rodriguez is accused of distributing cocaine and possession of firearms in connection with the crime, Isley said.
On January 24, Rodriguez allegedly met with a confidential informant and sold them 56 grams of cocaine in exchange for $ 2,600 in cash, Isley said, adding that he drove to the meeting with his patrol car while in uniform and is carrying the department’s firearms.
The informant spoke to Rodriguez through the passenger’s right window, and the transaction was recorded on audio and video and monitored live by agents.
He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison if convicted and a maximum of life imprisonment. It was unclear whether he had a lawyer representing him at the time.
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The DEA has arrested Kevan Rodriguez (pictured), a 33-year-old Raleigh police operative for Raleigh cocaine trafficking and possession of a firearm. Confidential sources told investigators
U.S. Attorney Michael Isley said Officer Kevan Rodriguez distributed cocaine while in his police uniform and driving his patrol car.
Rodriguez’s arrest came after the investigation began in November 2021, when members of the Raleigh Police Department and the DEA were informed by two confidential sources about a police officer selling drugs around Raleigh, according to an affidavit as part of a federal criminal complaint in the eastern county of North Carolina.
Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson said Rodriguez was on unpaid administrative leave pending the results of domestic and federal investigations.
“The arrest of Mr Rodriguez is a disappointment to me, the Raleigh Police Department and the citizens and people of our community,” Patterson said.
“Although I am discouraged, I want to ensure transparency in order to maintain public trust.”
Isley declined to comment on whether there would be other arrests in the case, but said the investigation was ongoing.
Rodriguez has been employed in the department since July 30, 2018 and is on unpaid administrative leave pending the results of internal and federal investigations
It is alleged that on January 24, Rodriguez met with a confidential informant and sold them 56 grams of cocaine in exchange for $ 2,600 in cash before his arrest (stock photo)
Rodriguez, who was hired by the department on July 30, 2018, is an officer in the field operations department.
“When someone who wears the badge breaks the law, it breaks public trust,” Isley said. “This alleged crime is a serious breach of public confidence.”
Rodriguez appeared in court for the first time on Thursday in connection with the charges.
Ellie did not confirm whether such arrests are expected, but suggested there may be more staff than expected.
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