In Whitley County, Kentucky, two young journalists, Adam and Samantha, investigated Sheriff Lawrence Hodge, who was suspected of being involved in the local drug trade. Despite the sheriff's intimidating reputation, the journalists dug deeper, discovering a paper trail that suggested Hodge was corrupt and involved in extortion, money laundering, and distributing drugs.
Their investigation, which included an interview with Hodge, exposed his lies and revealed a scheme in which he would seize guns and drugs from suspects, only to sell or trade them for oxycodone. The journalists' reporting led to a state audit, which suggested Hodge was stealing money from the department.
As a result of their investigation, Hodge was voted out of office, indicted by a state grand jury, and eventually pleaded guilty to extortion, distributing drugs, and money laundering. He was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. The journalists' reporting also led to the conviction of 15 of Hodge's associates.
The investigation was not without risk, as Adam received a credible threat against his life and was eventually compelled to leave town under federal protection. However, the journalists' bravery and determination ultimately brought about justice and cleaned up corruption in their community.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic in America, particularly in Kentucky.
2. Whitley County, Kentucky, has been severely affected by addiction to crystal meth and prescription drugs.
3. Sheriff Lawrence Hodge was elected in 2002 on a promise to clean up the county's drug problem.
4. Despite initial efforts, rumors began circulating that Sheriff Hodge had become corrupt and was involved with drug dealers.
5. Federal agents and state police tried to build a case against Sheriff Hodge but were unable to penetrate his inner circle.
6. Two local journalists, Adam and Samantha, launched their own investigation into Sheriff Hodge's activities.
7. Adam, a 20-year-old journalist, was hired by the local newspaper, The Times Tribune, despite having no prior experience.
8. Samantha, the managing editor of The Times Tribune, suspected that Sheriff Hodge might have a weakness, such as a paper trail.
9. Adam discovered a series of felony cases involving guns and drugs in which deals were cut and sentences were mysteriously reduced.
10. The defense attorney in each case was Sheriff Hodge's close friend, Ron Reynolds.
11. Adam and Samantha interviewed Sheriff Hodge, who claimed that guns seized from Rick Benson were given to the ATF, but this was later proven to be a lie.
12. Sheriff Hodge staged a burglary at the sheriff's department to explain the missing guns and drugs.
13. An undercover officer recorded Sheriff Hodge threatening to kill Adam.
14. Despite the threat, The Times Tribune continued to publish damaging allegations against Sheriff Hodge.
15. A state audit suggested that Sheriff Hodge may have been stealing money from the department.
16. The people of Whitley County voted Sheriff Hodge out of office in May 2010.
17. Six months later, Sheriff Hodge was indicted by a state grand jury.
18. Former Sheriff Lawrence Hodge pleaded guilty to extortion, distributing drugs, and money laundering.
19. He was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
20. Adam and Samantha's reporting led to the conviction of 15 of Lawrence Hodge's associates.