September 2, 2010
Marshall County Iowa - Marshall County Sheriff Ted G. Kamatchus reports that one of the individuals, who were arrested in yesterday's drug raids, is a former employee at the Marshall County Jail.
One of the individuals, who was arrested yesterday in Marshall County, was an employee at the Marshall County Jail. Soraya Armas, Age 41 of Marshalltown, Iowa had been serving as a jailer in the Marshall County Jail facility since October of 2000.
Sheriff Ted G. Kamatchus stated, "Investigators from the Sheriff's Office, who were assigned to the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, discovered that one of the Jail's employees was possibly involved in drug trafficking. My administrative staff and I were briefed fully on what was known at that time. The information was reviewed by us and ultimately this lead to discussions with agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the level of involvement by Ms. Armas."
Sheriff Kamatchus went on to say, "We realized that this case was of a substantial magnitude. This ultimately formed a problem for us to consider. The question that rose up was whether it would be a benefit to keep Soraya on staff, closely monitored and observed, or if her presence in the jail might form too great of a threat to the facility and staff. After reviewing a vast amount of information, we felt continuing her position, subtly limiting her access even more while monitoring her activity at work, could possibly assist in maintaining a "status quo" environment. Keeping things calm and without noticeable alterations would allow the criminal investigators to delve even deeper into the drug trafficking case without suspicion on the part of those involved. At no time did this decision form a threat to the personnel or operation of the jail. The hope was that this would ultimately lead to the positive out-come we experienced with yesterday's raids."
"It is vitally important that we maintain a smooth, efficient and effective operation at the Sheriff's Office. This can only be achieved if we are capable of earning the trust of the public we serve." Kamatchus said. "In order to maintain the highest possible level of professionalism, we must be willing to remain secure in our process while allowing the citizens the assurance that those who serve them are equal to the task. It is my sincere hope that the citizens will look upon our openness in a positive light and trust that we are there to serve them fully."
Due to the on-going investigation of this case, we will not be making any further statements or conducting interviews on any part of this issue or others which originated from this investigation.
As earlier stated, questions involving this case, should be directed to U.S. Attorney's Public information Officer, Mike Bladel. (515) 473-9342
About Marshall County Sheriff's Office
The Marshall County, Iowa Sheriff's Office is lead by Sheriff Ted G. Kamatchus. Sheriff Kamatchus is committed to keeping communities and neighborhoods safe in Marshall County.
For additional information or a sample copy, contact:
Mike Bladel
U.S. Attorney's Public Information Officer
(515) 473-9342
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