Decorated US agent accused of distributing meth

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Decorated US agent in drug arrest
By DEVLIN BARRETT and EILEEN SULLIVAN
Associated Press Writer

Government officials say a decorated federal immigrations officer has been arrested on drug distribution charges.

The officials tell The Associated Press that Special Agent Kevin Merkel is accused in a secret indictment of possession and intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine. They spoke on condition of anonymity because charges have not been unsealed. It is not clear if Merkel has been cooperating with authorities since his arrest.

Merkel is a veteran officer who won the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement - one of the highest honors bestowed on law enforcement personnel.

He was arrested by the FBI on Oct. 29 in the Washington, D.C. area. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to comment Wednesday, as did an FBI spokesman. ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility and the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general were part of the probe.

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