Retired Officer Hit With Drug Charges

A retired police officer has been accused in federal court of being a partner in a violent drug ring and helping to kidnap a victim for ransom.

Glenn Lewellen, currently of Las Vegas, worked for the Chicago Police Department from 1986 to 2003. According to an indictment filed Monday in U.S. District Court, Lewellen provided members of the drug ring with information concerning ongoing federal investigations into its operations.

The indictment also accuses Lewellen with falsely testifying in a federal criminal trial in 1999. Because of his testimony, the defendant in the case has been freed from prison and his drug conviction vacated.

Prosecutors implicated the drug ring in two murders. However, Lewellen is not charged in connection with them.

While on the force in Chicago, Lewellen was a narcotics officer who was said to have played a role in a huge cocaine seizure 11 years ago.  At the time it was called the largest bust in the department's history, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Lewellen was arrested Friday in Las Vegas on conspiracy charges.