By Staff
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis Monday announced the indictment and arrest of defendant Andrew Thomas Collins, 26, of Benton Harbor, on one count of possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of crack cocaine.
The charges stem from the seizure of crack cocaine and other controlled substances from Collins on Feb. 18, 2008.
At the time of the seizure, Collins was employed as a sworn police officer of the Benton Harbor Police Department (BHPD), serving in the capacity of narcotics officer.
The indictment alleges that Collins abused his position of trust as a police officer, in that on more than one occasion he failed to report and submit to the BHPD all narcotics he seized in the course of his duties and instead retained possession of narcotics for his own use, gain or purpose.
The indictment further alleges that Collins reported false and fictitious controlled purchases to the BHPD for the purpose of improperly securing search warrants and to embezzle funds of the BHPD.
Collins is charged with using the wrongfully possessed narcotics to conceal the falsity of his reported controlled purchases.
The U.S. Attorney's Office, the FBI and its law enforcement partners consider allegations of public corruption to be of the highest importance and priority.
The respect and confidence the citizens place in their governmental institutions is dependent upon the honest and faithful services of the governmental employee.
Davis said his office will aggressively pursue and prosecute governmental employees who violate their solemn oath and duties.
"This office will work diligently with its law enforcement partners to seek out and remedy any wrongful convictions resulting from Collins' alleged criminal conduct," he said.
Investigation of this matter was conducted by the St. Joseph Office of the FBI with the cooperation of the Michigan State Police, the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office and the BHPD.
This case is being prosecuted on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Delaney.
Collins faces a minimum penalty of five years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment and a fine of $2 million if convicted.
The charges in the pending indictment are only allegations of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until his guilt is established in court by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.