Press release from the Ottumwa Police Department

On May 11, 2010, Law Enforcement Officers from the Southeast Iowa Inter-Agency Drug Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Altoona Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration were recognized as a result of their drug enforcement efforts. The officers were presented the 2010 Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Award which is presented each year to officers in the State of Iowa. The award was presented in recognition of the officer’s outstanding service and meritorious acts in the investigation of members of the William Edwards III drug conspiracy

The investigation culminated on July 18, 2008 with the arrest of ten (10) defendants on federal charges of Conspiracy To Distribute Cocaine and the search of twelve (12) businesses and residences. Nearly two hundred peace officers from fifteen law enforcement agencies assisted in the arrests and search warrants.