Fresno Police Corruption: How a Top Cop Went From Hero to Federal Prison
The California Report Magazine, KQED
March 29, 2019
“The second-highest ranking officer in one of the largest police departments in the state went to federal prison last year, convicted of conspiring to deal heroin and marijuana.
It’s one of the biggest police corruption scandals in modern California history, and one you probably didn’t hear about if you live outside the Central Valley. And it wasn’t an isolated incident.
More than a dozen Fresno police officers have been arrested in recent years, including some high-profile corruption busts. All of this occurred under the command of one of the longest-serving and most powerful law enforcement figures in the state, Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
This special edition of the California Report Magazine tells the story of Keith Foster, a local hero who rose up the ranks only to end up in federal prison. It also delves into the legacy of Chief Dyer, who is scheduled to retire later this year. And it explores the century-old history of police corruption in Fresno — from the opium dens of the 1900s to today.
Reporter Robert Lewis brings us this story as part of a collaboration with Investigative Studios and the Investigative Reporting Program at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.”
Recommended reading:
The Chief: The Remarkable — Sometimes Shocking — Career of Fresno’s Top Cop
The Long History of Police Corruption in Fresno
The Bias in Fresno’s Justice System: An investigation of policing in Fresno shows a lasting legacy of discrimination, and its consequences
Cops twice probed allegation Dyer had affair [sic] with girl, 16
The transformation of Jerry Dyer
Fresno police officer tied to murder, stolen car, drug investigations fired for DMV perjury
Fresno Cops Accused of Stealing Over $225,000 Can’t Be Sued, Thanks to Qualified Immunity
Fresno police officer resigns, accused of arranging Fresno prostitution for Bunny Ranch hooker [sic]
Four Fresno Police Officers Indicted for Civil Rights Charges
Fresno police detective Kumagai gets prison time for taking bribe from suspected drug dealer
Fresno Narcotics Detectives Charged with Felony Auto Theft
Trouble in California’s Heartland : U.S. claims Fresno County land boom has spawned massive corruption involving dozens of officials, developers and lobbyists. Case is latest in area’s colorful history of questionable dealings.