Former East Chicago Police Commander Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison

HAMMOND - Louis Arcuri, 55 years old, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Arcuri was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. He has been in federal custody since February 29, 2024.

According to documents in the case, Arcuri was on duty and armed as an East Chicago Police Commander on June 11, 2021, when he provided cocaine to an associate.

"The public rightly expects that those charged with enforcing the law will themselves abide by the law. Most law enforcement officers live up to this expectation," said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. "However, this defendant, while a sworn officer, violated federal law by distributing illegal drugs. Today, the court sentenced him for his criminal activity. This case demonstrates my office's commitment to promoting public safety through prosecution even when the offender wears a police badge."

"Law enforcement officers take an oath to protect and serve and are held to the highest standards of conduct so when an officer is found to be involved in criminal activity, it undermines the public's trust," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners are firmly committed to holding officers accountable when they violate their oaths."

"This case illustrates the level of partnerships among law enforcement to hold accountable those who violate the law, regardless of their profession," said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron R. Wheeler of the Chicago Field Division. "No one is above the law, and I commend the United States Attorney's Office for their dedication in prosecuting this case."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the East Chicago and the Whiting Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Thomas M. McGrath.