ROCKFORD, Ill. - His role in busting an alleged drug operation on Monroe's Square in May has earned Inspector Joe Johnson, a Monroe police officer, an award for his effort in narcotics enforcement.
Johnson and three other members of the State Line Area Narcotics Team (SLANT) were awarded Thursday during the Illinois Task Force Commanders Association's annual awards banquet in Peoria, Ill. Also honored were Freeport police officers Robyn Stovall and Aaron Dykema and Rockford police officer Ron Perrine.
Johnson was awarded for his investigation into a psilocybin mushroom growing operation that was operating out of a business on the town Square in Monroe. Because of his efforts, SLANT was able to seize 37 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, $1,100, numerous items used in a psilocybin mushroom growing operation, and arrest two people.
Joshua T. Moon, 29, and Patrick R. Gonzalez, 24, of Monroe were arrested May 29, 2009, after SLANT received a tip about drugs in a building located at 1010 17th Ave. on Monroe's Square. Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said officers discovered a "substantial" growing operation in the building. He said there were about 100 containers used to grow the mushrooms. Kelley estimated the drugs could have been worth up to $100,000.
Moon and Gonzalez both pleaded not guilty to charges Aug. 13 and their cases are pending.
"The State Line Area Narcotics Team is privileged to have such outstanding officers who go above and beyond for the people of their communities," said Commander John Biffany of the Illinois State Police SLANT.
"The men and women of the State Line Area Narcotics Team are on the leading edge of the war on drugs. They routinely put themselves in dangerous situations in an effort to make their communities safer and improve the quality of life for the citizens. It is only right that we give them our thanks and praise."
Johnson and three other members of the State Line Area Narcotics Team (SLANT) were awarded Thursday during the Illinois Task Force Commanders Association's annual awards banquet in Peoria, Ill. Also honored were Freeport police officers Robyn Stovall and Aaron Dykema and Rockford police officer Ron Perrine.
Johnson was awarded for his investigation into a psilocybin mushroom growing operation that was operating out of a business on the town Square in Monroe. Because of his efforts, SLANT was able to seize 37 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, $1,100, numerous items used in a psilocybin mushroom growing operation, and arrest two people.
Joshua T. Moon, 29, and Patrick R. Gonzalez, 24, of Monroe were arrested May 29, 2009, after SLANT received a tip about drugs in a building located at 1010 17th Ave. on Monroe's Square. Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said officers discovered a "substantial" growing operation in the building. He said there were about 100 containers used to grow the mushrooms. Kelley estimated the drugs could have been worth up to $100,000.
Moon and Gonzalez both pleaded not guilty to charges Aug. 13 and their cases are pending.
"The State Line Area Narcotics Team is privileged to have such outstanding officers who go above and beyond for the people of their communities," said Commander John Biffany of the Illinois State Police SLANT.
"The men and women of the State Line Area Narcotics Team are on the leading edge of the war on drugs. They routinely put themselves in dangerous situations in an effort to make their communities safer and improve the quality of life for the citizens. It is only right that we give them our thanks and praise."