Closing Arguments Begin In Dirty Cop Trial

INDIANAPOLIS -- Closing arguments are set for Friday in the federal trial of two former Indianapolis police officers.

Robert Long, 35, and Jason Edwards, 38, face conspiracy, drug possession and firearms charges.

James Davis, 34, also a former police officer, was previously charged in the case, but took a plea bargain and agreed to testify against Long and Edwards.

Prosecutors characterized the former officers as "thieves, burglars and drug dealers that wore a disguise," 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

An undercover surveillance video provided some of the most graphic evidence in the case. Prosecutors contended that it shows Edwards breaking into a house in the 2200 block of North Kenwood Avenue.

Prosecutors said the officers had been told that up to 300 pounds of marijuana and $50,000 cash were in the house.

Long and Edwards joined Davis in the house, prosecutors said, and were seen leaving carrying boxes.

Prosecutors said they carried out five pounds of marijuana and $18,300.

"The government's case is probably one of the strongest cases I've ever seen in 25 years of practice," said Martin Solomon, a court observer and long-time defense attorney. "The FBI agents were absolutely brilliant and meticulous. They did everything ethically, and the evidence is just overwhelming."

Edwards' attorney, Kevin McShane, criticized the government's case, saying the FBI "produced, scripted and directed the movie that happened at 2205 North Kenwood," Thomas reported.

Closing arguments were expected to wrap up on Friday.