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Norwalk Police Detectives Terry Blake and Garrett Kruger have been honored as the February Officers of the Month for their roles in the arrest of three men on sex-trafficking charges.
Their investigation began Dec. 16 when a 17-year-old girl communicated by computer that she was being held against her will. After learning that she was in the Bronx, N.Y., Blake and Kruger worked with the New York Police Department and the U.S. Marshals to locate her. Detectives realized it was a sex-trafficking and prostitution case.
After the victim was returned to Norwalk, detectives interviewed several other girls, one of whom was 15. Theodore Briggs, Giovanni Vazquez and Harry Franklin were arrested and indicted on many federal charges relating to the transporting of minors to engage in prostitution. This case is being heard in U.S. District Court in Connecticut.
"This case required dedication and long hours, and the ability to work with outside organizations," Lt. William Lowe, head of the Norwalk detective bureau, wrote in his recommendation that Blake and Kruger get the award. "It required adapting to special guidelines and protocols as well as working with established NPD guidelines. ... Although we don't like to see these types of cases at all, I feel the Norwalk Police Department sent a strong message."
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