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<font size="2">Federal investigators searched ten areas in Fresno Thursday arresting four people on conspiracy to distribute drugs charges.<p> Among those arrested is 51-year-old Keith Foster one of Fresno’s three deputy police chiefs. He has now been placed on paid administrative leave.</p><p> Foster has worked at the Fresno Police Department for almost 30 years and his latest assignment was to oversee patrol districts across the city. </p><p> The police chief’s second in command is on paid leave and has turned in his gun because he was arrested by federal investigators who accuse him of possessing and distributing illegal drugs.</p><p> Swiftly, federal investigators moved in and out of ten different locations in Fresno, making four arrests in what they’re calling a year-long drug distribution investigation. No arrest more shocking than that of 51 year-old Fresno Deputy Police Chief Keith Foster. </p><p> "I really am at a loss for words quite frankly other than to say as the police chief I’m extremely shocked and disappointed with what has occurred," said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.</p><p> According to court documents, Foster is accused of distributing and possessing Oxycodone, Marijuana, and Heroin. Investigators say they used wire taps and surveillance to build enough evidence to make arrests. </p><p> "Really and honestly I cannot imagine a bigger shock that all of us are experiencing tonight," said Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin.</p><p> Federal agents say the investigation started as an effort to end drug violence.</p><p> "it started under the business model that we’re operating under trying to reduce the violent crime involving firearms and armed drug trafficking specifically in this case in the Fresno area, said ATF Agent Joe Riehl in a special news conference.</p><p> Police Chief Jerry Dyer says he found out about the arrest and investigation for the first time Thursday. Going forward he says he hopes to encourage his officers, but admits this arrest does impact the relationship between the public and law enforcement.</p><p> "It is important we do everything we can to maintain and enhance the trust residents have in us and when things of this nature happen it does serve to erode that trust and causes community members to lose trust in their police department," said Chief Dyer. </p></font><span lang="EN"><font size="2"><p>The other Fresno residents arrested in this case are 41-year-old Rafael Guzman, 48-year-old Randy Flowers and 35-year-old Jennifer Donebedian.</p><p> All of the suspects arrested in this federal drug investigation will appear in federal court Friday afternoon. </p><p> In the meantime two other arrest warrants were issued for suspects related to the case. </p></font></span></div>
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