Secret Service honors city police officers

Van Wert independent

The Van Wert Police Department is pleased to announce that two members of the department recently received an award for their role in a child pornography sting and investigation.

Detective Sgt. Jeffrey A. Blackmore and Officer Michael D. Freeman received the award from the U.S. Secret Service during a ceremony held at the Van Wert Municipal Building.

The sting and investigation resulted in Ronald K. Burtis, 35, of St. Paul, Minn., being indicted by a federal grand jury in Toledo on charges of child pornography.

In November 2010, Burtis pleaded guilty to federal charges of possession of child pornography (18 USC 2252(A)(5)(b)) and distribution of child pornography (18 USC 2252 (A)(2)(a)).

On February 28, Burtis was sentenced to 12½ years in a federal penitentiary and will face an additional 10 years of parole after his release from prison.