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Video aids in convicting cocaine dealer


By Tania E. Lopez
tania.e.lopez@indystar.com
July 28, 2004


Tandeka T. Smith didn't know police were watching when she pulled money used in an undercover drug sting out of a body cavity.

But officers videotaped the act with a hidden camera, giving them the evidence they needed to file drug charges against her.

On Tuesday, a Hendricks Superior Court 2 jury found Smith guilty on three counts each of dealing and possession of cocaine.

Smith, 24, had been arrested July 8, 2003, at the parking lot of the Plainfield Goodwill store. Officers had her under surveillance for months.

The arrest came after an undercover agent gave her $350 in exchange for 1.8 grams of cocaine.

However, after her arrest officers could not find where she had put the money officers had given her.

"They audiotaped and videotaped the dealings," said Hendricks County Prosecutor Stephenie LeMay-Luken. "When they arrested her and searched the vehicle they could not find the money."

Officers took Smith to the Plainfield Police Department for questioning and placed her in a room with a hidden camera.

After officers left to set up a body cavity search, the camera caught Smith reach into her crotch area, pull what they believed was the $350 out of her vagina and place it in her shoe, LeMay-Luken said.

At the time of her arrest, Smith had a five-year probation sentence in Marion County on a prior charge from 2002 for dealing and possession of cocaine.

Smith faces up to 90 years in jail as a result of her conviction Tuesday. Judge David Coleman set sentencing for Aug. 10.

As for the money, LeMay-Luken said federal banking authorities ordered it destroyed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/barf.gif)