WINDSOR – Shocked and disheartened….that was the reaction by Windsor residents and town officials over the arrest of one of their police officers.

As reported in the “Corruption sting bites local lawmen” story in today’s edition, Windsor Police Officer Antonio Tillmon was among the 15 individuals nabbed following a two-year undercover operation conducted by the FBI. The results of that probe led to indictments of attempted extortion, attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, federal programs bribery, and firearms violations.

Windsor Police Chief Todd Lane said the town was notified by the FBI of Tillmon’s arrest shortly after the conclusion of the investigation – known as “Operation Rockfish.” Upon that notification, Tillmon was placed on suspension without pay as April 30.

Lane said Tillmon was sworn in as a police officer for the Town of Windsor on March 18, 2011 and had performed his duties in a satisfactory manner since that date. Prior to taking the job in Windsor, Tillmon worked for the North Carolina Department of Corrections as a guard for three years (2006-09) at Odom Prison near Jackson.

“Having known Antonio Tillmon for the past two years his arrest comes as a shock to everyone in the Police Department,” stated Lane.

“While it will take some time for the men and women of the Windsor Police Department to digest the events surrounding Operation Rockfish, they will bounce back and continue on the mission of serving the Town of Windsor and their community in a professional and ethical manner,” Lane added.

Lane and Windsor town officials are still gathering facts about the arrest and will assist the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. All questions regarding Operation Rockfish should be referred to Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp and the FBI.