Sangamon Sun

hereU.S. Secret Service Recognizes Retired SIUE Police Detective Sergeant

Mark Ferrell, retired detective sergeant of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department was presented with the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) Significant Case award by the United States Secret Service (USSS). This award is recognition for Ferrell’s use of training and equipment received from the NCFI in aiding technical digital investigations. 

USSS Resident Agent in Charge Stephen Webster, USSS Senior Special Agent Sandy Lane, SIUE Interim Chief of Police Justin Lieberman and SIUE Investigations Lieutenant Lisa Johnson presented Ferrell the award on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the SIUE Police Department.

“I am thankful to have received this award, and grateful to the SIUE Police Department for investing in training opportunities, and to my family for making sacrifices while I spent countless hours training,” said Ferrell. “Additionally, I am appreciative of retired Senior Special Agent Chris Williams and the NCFI for their trust and support of my training goals.”

The award highlights a specific investigation in which the Columbia Police Department requested assistance with the forensic investigation of a laptop computer recovered during a child exploitation case. The results of Ferrell’s forensic investigation were turned over to the Columbia Police Department and introduced to the Monroe County court during trial. This material assisted in the offender receiving a sentence of 160 years in jail for his actions. 

“SIUE Police Department takes child exploitation cases very seriously and our investigators work diligently to remove child predators from our communities,” said Interim Chief Lieberman. “It is special that a department our size has been recognized in this way thanks to Sergeant Ferrell’s extensive work. He truly puts his heart and soul into protecting the community.”

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