LITTLE ROCK — An Arkansas state trooper who provided assistance in two federal investigations in eastern Arkansas has been named Trooper of the Year.
Special Agent Philip Hydron shared the honor Tuesday with Trooper Chris Goodman during the annual Arkansas State Police Awards Ceremony.
U.S. Attorney Chris Thyer credits Hydron with providing investigative assistance in Operations "Evil Eye" and "Delta Blues," which collectively netted more than 100 arrests.
The "Delta Blues" operation focused on corruption and drug trafficking in the Mississippi Delta town of Helena-West Helena. Seventy-one people were charged in the case, including five law enforcement officers.
Officials say while helping federal authorities with the operations, Hydron maintained his state cases, which included a murder investigation.
Among his traffic stop seizures, Goodman confiscated more than $2.8 million in cash.