Indianapolis - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler, today announced the arrest of an Anderson, Indiana police officer for allegedly selling narcotics to an undercover FBI agent while on duty. Donald Jordan, 52, Anderson, was charged with possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone and Xanax.
“The citizens of Anderson deserve better from their public servants,” said Minkler. “When a police officer betrays the trust of the community he serves by dealing drugs, he will be targeted, investigated and prosecuted like any other drug dealer. That being said, I know Mr. Jordan’s criminal choices do not represent the Anderson Police Department or law enforcement in general in Indiana.”
According to the criminal complaint affidavit, in June 2015, a citizen contacted law enforcement with information about criminal activity involving Officer Jordan. Jordan allegedly provided the citizen three hydrocodone pills and asked the citizen to touch him in a sexual manner after Jordan exposed himself. The citizen objected but Jordan grabbed her hand and placed it on his exposed genitals.
On December 9, 2015, an undercover FBI agent met Jordan at a convenience store on West 38th Street in Anderson. They engaged in a conversation and Jordan acknowledged that he had marijuana and Xanax that he could sell. During the conversation, Jordan said he is “a better criminal than he is a cop.”
The undercover agent agreed on a price of $45 for 15 Xanax pills. The agent gave Jordan $60 in cash and Jordan returned $15 in change. He then instructed the agent to go to a local Anderson business and wait for his return. Jordan left the convenient store in his marked police car and met the agent a short while later and transferred the 15 pills. During the transaction,Jordan was on official duty and was dressed in full police uniform, including his police department issued weapon. “Of the more than 300 federal criminal violations investigated by the FBI, few are more important than police officers who harm the communities they serve,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jay Abbott. “The FBI worked closely with senior Anderson Police Department officials on this matter. It should be clear, if you violate the public trust, the FBI will find you, will investigate you, and through the USAO, prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Allegations of wrongdoing by police officers undermine the public’s trust and confidence in law enforcement,” said Anderson Police Chief Larry Crenshaw. “As law enforcement officers who are sworn to defend and uphold the law, we must maintain a higher level of public trust. The men and women of the Anderson Police Department are dedicated to serving this community and any charge of misconduct against one of our officers is not a reflection of the entire force.”
Jordan had his initial appearance before a magistrate judge in Indianapolis this afternoon and was released on home detention with GPS monitoring.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia J. Ridgeway who is prosecuting this case for the government, Jordan could face up 15 years if convicted on both counts.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not an indication of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in federal court.