The old mantra that crime doesn’t pay may hold true for criminals, but for those who manage to apprehend those doing misdeeds, it paid off to the tune of a quarter of a million dollars this morning. At a special press conference, Christmas came early for a trio of Harrison County agencies as they were presented with funds as a result of seizures from drug activities.

 

Clarksburg-Wheeling Drug Enforcement Agency official Daniel Mavromatis presented $250,000 to the agencies in question that comprise the bulk of the manpower in the Greater Harrison County Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. The police departments in the City of Bridgeport and Clarksburg both received checks for $100,000 and the West Virginia State Police received a check for $50,000.

 

Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker, the chairman of the Task Force, invited Mavromatis up to make the formal presentation at the Hilton Garden Inn in Clarksburg.

 

“It’s a great honor to give back to those supporters who have supported us,” said Walker, speaking of the city leaders and agencies that have supported the Task Force. “ … There’s a lot of pressure on our political leaders because we know their constituents are saying to them ‘we’ve got drugs in our neighborhood’ and ‘we know they’re selling drugs.’ We know it’s not a quick fix or an easy fix and at the same time, they’re getting beaten up.”

 

As is always the case, the Task Force members work in secrecy, often working 10 to 15 hours a day, the chief said. Walker said many times they work after there is no money left to pay them in the overtime budget.

 

“Today shows that the hard work that the Task Force has done is working and allowing for a contribution to the cities (and state police),” said Clarksburg Police Chief Robbie Hilliard.

 

Clarksburg Deputy Chief James Chamberlain offered similar words of praise for the Task Force members, who toil in anonymity.

 

“Every officer in this room has made many sacrifices. This job comes with that,” said Chamberlain talking directly to the agents who gathered in the back of the meeting room to be acknowledged. “I want to commend the members of the Task Force. I know the sacrifices I’ve made in my 21 years, but those guys in the back of room have made way more sacrifices than I have. I just want to say kudos to you guys and thank you very much.”

 

Walker said the money will be entered into various seizure accounts by the three law enforcement agencies. From there, it will be used to help continue fight against drugs and other issues. He also said the money is an accumulation from seizures over the past several years and the funds presented today can be used by the three agencies in any endeavor involving the fight on drugs.

 

While the public figures involved with the Task Force were on hand, as well as the actual officers who make it work behind the scenes, Walker took time to offer praise to the local patrols by law enforcement. He said that they work closely with the Task Force in helping make a difference.

 

While those three agencies received funds, the Greater Harrison County Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force are made up of multiple agencies contributing resources, all of whom were on hand with representation. Individuals from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, the ATF, and the Internal Revenue Service were on hand.

 

Although recently undergoing a reconfiguration and landing a new name, the task force has been in place for decades. Walker said it’s been working in the area for more than 30 years.

 

“There’s been a lot of bad times and we’ve seen a lot of change in how we enforce and who we investigate this type of activity.  Recently, the past 24 months, we’re organized and become much stronger by joining with these agencies here today,” Walker said. " ... It's all about cooperation. One person, one agency can't make a difference with what's going on throughout the country. Together, we can certainly make a difference. We have to have every resource possible."

 

Editor's Note: Top two photos show members of various law enforcement agencies that comprise the Greater Harrison County Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force, while the bottom two photos show city officials from Clarksburg and Bridgeport that were on hand for the check presentations.