Washington County Detective Todd Combs received this afternoon one of six US Attorneys Awards presented to local law enforcement agencies.
Combs received the award for his work with the Washington County Drug Taskforce.
Joseph H. Hogsett, the US Attorney in our district, was in Salem today at the Washington County Detention Center.
Detective Combs was recognized for his role in the investigation and prosecution of the Hermion Torres and Freddie Joe Taylor drug and gun trafficking organizations, which were responsible for the distribution of large quantities of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine throughout southern Indiana and Kentucky.
The investigation ultimately revealed a network of gun straw purchasers who obtained firearms for Torres in Indiana, which were later traded to the Mexico-based Gulf Cartel, an international criminal organization.
Hogsett said that Detective Combs, along with a number of other federal and state law enforcement partners, used a variety of investigative techniques to bring those behind the criminal organization to justice.
As a result of these prosecutions, the flow of drugs and gungs into Indiana was halted.
“The work of Detective Combs on this case is an example of law enforcement at its best,” said Hogsett. “This was a complicated case with many moving parts , but the selfless dedication and tireless work of our partners here in Washington County helped ensure that these criminals won’t terrorize this area ever again.”
The US Attorney Award was established in 2003 to recognize outstanding law enforcement work in Hoosier communities as part of federal investigations and prosecutions.
Only 20 total awards were given in 2013, with Combs’ award being one of only six agencies to receive the award locally.
