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  • Daviess County Chief Dep. Gary Allison was awarded the U.S. Attorney Award by U.S. Attorney Joseph Hogsett. At the ceremony were (from left): Daviess County Sheriff Jerry Harbstreit, Allison, Hogsett and Daviess County Prosecutor Dan Murrie. By T. Daniel Lancaster

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September 19, 2012

DCSD chief deputy receives award

By Andrea McCann Washington Times-Herald

WASHINGTON — Joseph H. Hogsett, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Tuesday presented a U.S. Attorney Award to Chief Deputy Gary Allison of the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Attorney Award was established in 2003 to recognize outstanding law enforcement work in Hoosier communities as part of federal investigations and prosecutions. Fewer than three dozen total awards were presented.

“These awards can go to so many different parts of law enforcement, I think this is only one of five  sheriff’s departments (in the state) that has received one,” Hogsett said. “Daviess County is blessed with some great law enforcement.”

Joined by Sheriff Jerry Harbstreit, Hogsett applauded the significant impact the federal-local collaboration has had in the Washington area. Beginning in spring 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service launched an investigation into the drug trafficking, money laundering and violent crime activities of Jose Vasquez-Silva and his organization. Allison assisted the investigation by coordinating surveillance activity in the Washington area.

“I’m very proud of our association with DEA and the Southern District of Indiana Federal Court,” Allison said. “The investigation was completed with a team effort by several federal and local agencies.”

Their efforts involved the interception of four cell phones from September 2010 through November 2010. Information gathered through the interceptions established that methamphetamine sources in Los Angeles, Denver and Chicago were funneling approximately 15 pounds of meth into the Daviess County area monthly.

The investigation culminated in the arrest and conviction of 27 defendants for meth and marijuana trafficking, money laundering and extortion. Another three individuals were convicted for their roles in an attempted armed home invasion in Pimento that occurred because of meth debt. During the course of the investigation, DEA seized approximately 17 pounds of meth.

“Gary is the recipient of this award, but it also recognizes the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department in its totality,” Hogsett said.

“The work of Deputy Allison on this case is an example of law enforcement at its best. This was a complicated case with many moving parts, but the selfless dedication and tireless work of our partners here in Daviess County helped ensure that these criminals won’t terrorize this area ever again.”

The majority of the Vasquez-Silva organization has been convicted and sentenced, with many defendants receiving significant time in federal prison. Vasquez-Silva received a sentence of 300 month, and six other defendants were sentenced to 10 years or more for their roles.

Harbstreit said when such a big criminal organization is taken down, it makes a difference in the community.

“I think (the award) is well deserved,” the sheriff said. “I think they worked hard on not only that case, but a lot of other cases.

“I’m honored that he got it. There are only five others in the state like him that got it. It gives us that little added assurance we’re doing the right thing.”

-- Todd Lancaster

contributed to this story.

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