13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Metro reserve officer arrested in drug trafficking sting

Metro reserve officer arrested in drug trafficking sting

Steve Jefferson/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - Federal and local investigators say Indianapolis Police reserve officer Chris Spaulding used his police powers to deal drugs and steal from what he thought were drug dealers.

Exclusive Channel 13 video shows state investigators and FBI agents removing evidence from a South Lynhurst home. It's the home of fired Metro Reserve Officer Chris Spaulding. Investigators confiscated envelopes and boxes of evidence. They also carried out several shotguns.

Investigators say Spaulding stole drugs and money from undercover officers.

"He took $7,000 from an undercover state police officer. The allegations are instead of turning it in as evidence he put it in his pocket," said Tim Morrison, US attorney's office.

Morrison says Spaulding, in full uniform, used a Hendricks County hotel room for drug trafficking. His neighbor Vickie Herr felt safe living next door.

"It's a shame. Of course, they are not above the law either. It's not the rank; it's according to the rank or who the person is," she said.

State investigators are also building cases against six others, including Spaulding's wife and mother. All face charges related to dealing marijuana.

Spaulding's bosses, who trusted him most, signed off on his termination immediately.

"This disgusting and alleged activity began at the end of last year. Sheriff Anderson wanted this person off the street," said Deputy Chief Kerry Forestal, IMPD.

"How disappointing it is to have a police officer who becomes a criminal," said IMPD Chief Mike Spears.

"You wonder who you can trust," said neighbor Vickie Herr, especially when that trust is violated by someone sworn to do the right thing.

Federal Agents hope to keep Chris Spaulding behind bars until his trial. A federal judge will decide that in a detention hearing. The trial for Spaulding and his codefendants is set for May 14.