Residents react to Camden cop's drug-ring arrest

While the Camden County Police Department worked to fight crime in Camden City, one officer in its ranks did the opposite, authorities say.

Former officer Ashley Bailey, 28, was among 40 people charged in a $1.2 million drug ring Tuesday, officials say. During the operation, authorities reportedly seized more than 8,000 bags of heroin, 1,000 bags of cocaine and 10 pounds of marijuana.

According to authorities, the Camden resident acted as a mole to aid the drug network's alleged leaders, Donyell Calm, 31, Kareem Anderson, 33, and Nathan Ingram, 35, all of Camden.

Calm and Anderson are accused of overseeing the Camden City-based drug operation. The former sold about 5,000 bags of heroin or cocaine per week, police say.

"This network is believed to have supplied heroin and crack cocaine to lower-level dealers in Camden and Atlantic counties, and the drugs also reached buyers in Burlington, Gloucester and Ocean counties," said Camden County Prosecutor Mary Eva Colalillo.

Bailey, a department newcomer, is accused of accessing and leaking "confidential information" to the dealers and also releasing information given to her during departmental briefings.

The former officer is the wife of Edwin Ingram, 30, an alleged member of the drug ring who was arrested Tuesday. He is the brother of Nathan Ingram.

"It is disheartening to know that (Bailey) abused her position of trust by searching for police reports on targets of this investigation and conspired with her husband and other criminal drug traffickers," said Camden County Police Chief Scott Thomson.

Bailey's arrest is one of the first major blows to the Camden County Police Department's record since it took over city patrols in May 2013.

Some residents believe it won't be the last.

"What's happening with the Metro is they didn't vet the officers properly," claimed Arnold Davis, an East Camden resident.

"They hired so many people so fast just because they wanted boots on the ground."

Camden resident Bryan Morton, a supporter of the county department, said the officer's arrest doesn't taint what the department has been able to accomplish in a city historically plagued by violent crime.

"I live in North Camden, and now I can walk down the street with my kids, and that is a testament to the work the Metro has done," Morton said.

"But this is not a panacea. Humans will be humans, and as a community, we need to remain vigilant."

Along with the leaders of the trafficking network, dozens of drug buyers and sellers also were arrested Tuesday, authorities said.

The monthlong drug investigation, named "Operation Southern District," included search warrants at homes in Camden, Haddon Township and Williamstown.

"This sends a strong message to those who are going to engage in the act of the distribution of heroin: You are going to be a significant target to law enforcement because of the (negative) effect it is having on society," Thomson said.

Bailey was charged with official misconduct, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, conspiracy and terroristic threats. She could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Nathan Ingram, Calm and Anderson are charged with one count each of leading a narcotics trafficking network, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and conspiracy.

They each face at least 20 years in prison.

Calm also faces one count each of attempted murder and other weapons charges in connection with an April shooting in the Centerville section of Camden.

One man was injured in that incident but survived.

Authorities said a fourth suspect, Camden resident Lawrence Brown, 21, faces the same charges as Calm, Anderson and Nathan Ingram and remains at large.

Reach Phil Dunn at (856) 486-2456 or pdunn@courierpostonline.com . Follow him on Twitter @philmdunn .