Bell
Five police officers were honored by Bell City Council Monday for their part in an investigation of a major drug network.
Sgt. James Edwards, and detectives Jerry Guzzetta, Charles Hannon, Thomas McReynolds and Dennis Tavernelli of the Bell-Cudahy Police Department were awarded certificates of appreciation for their role in a case involving 35 arrests, 21 felony charges and the seizure of 60 pounds of cocaine, $300,000 in cash, $100,000 in jewelry and 19 automobiles. The officers also received a commendation from Rep. Matthew Martinez (D-Montebello) for their “outstanding participation and contribution to the community.”
The four-month investigation that culminated in the arrests in early November is the “largest case I’ve seen” at the department, said Guzzetta, the primary investigator, and a 12-year veteran of the department.
Edwards said 21 search warrants were served in 12 cities, including Bell, Huntington Park, Los Angeles, Anaheim and Fullerton. The department worked with other agencies, including the Huntington Park Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, U. S. Customs and the Internal Revenue Service.
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