The primary function of the Senior Narcotics Prosecutors is to assist, advise and train Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys and other local law enforcement officers, especially with the Louisville Metro Police Department, in the investigation and prosecution of those individuals involved in illegal controlled substance offenses in Jefferson County. This Senior Prosecutor also is responsible for arranging training seminars and educational services to schools, civic & community groups and the public in general, upon request.
For many years, a separate specialty division called the Narcotics Unit operated within the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. The Narcotics Unit was funded mainly by the Federal Government through Byrne Grant monies that provided funding to each State for narcotics enforcement efforts. Several years ago, under the most recent Bush administration, those funds were withdrawn and not available. As a result of that loss of federal funds and a later internal reorganization, the Narcotics Unit as a distinct division was eliminated in favor of a system in which drug prosecutions are handled by all members of the general trial divisions.
The Senior Narcotics Prosecutors act as advisors and trainers for all other prosecutors on staff regarding all aspects of drug prosecutions, including:
- Conducting proactive Special Narcotics Investigations;
- Undercover drug purchases;
- Use of confidential informants;
- Surveillance of suspected drug activity;
- Preparation and execution of search warrants;
- Advice on complex search and seizure issues;
- Gathering and maintaining narcotics intelligence information;
- Coordination of drug investigations by other law enforcement agencies, including local, state and federal; and,
- Asset Forfeiture, state and federal.
By thoroughly reviewing and screening of Special Narcotics Investigations, and by being available to give immediate legal assistance to officers planning a case investigation, the Senior Narcotics Prosecutor helps the police avoid the frustration of preparing a case that may be legally insufficient.
Also, the Senior Narcotics prosecutors are involved with the Drug Endangered Child (DEC) Training Network. This organization seeks to increase community and professional awareness of the impact of adult drug involvement on children.
Mark Baker - Narcotics Division Chief, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Senior Narcotics Prosecutor
Mr. Baker received his license to practice law in 1994, and he joined the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney in August, 2004. He graduated from the University of Louisville School of Law in 1994 after receiving his BS in Business from UK. After 5 years of a varied private practice in Central City, KY, he served as an Assistant Public Advocate in the Capital Trial Unit of the Department for Public Advocacy for five years. In that position, Mr. Baker tried 19 jury trials to verdict, including 4 capital cases. He is a professional member of the Louisville Bar Association and the Kentucky Bar Association. Formerly the office Robbery Liason, Mr. Baker is a recognized expert on asset forfeiture matters. He currently serves as Division Chief for the Narcotics Unit.
Dinah Perry Koehler - General Trial Division D Division Chief, Senior Narcotics Prosecutor, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney
Ms. Koehler received her license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2000 and came to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney in January of 2001. Ms. Koehler received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Iowa State University in 1993 and her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in 2000. Before coming to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney Ms. Koehler worked as an Associate at the Pepper Law Office from March of 2000 to August of 2000 and as an Associate at Segal & Shanks from August 2000 to January 2001. Ms. Koehler also worked with the Second Judicial District Department of Correctional Services in its Pre-trial Services, as an intern for the Criminal & Juvenile Justice Planning Commission, and as a Youth worker/Counselor at the State Training School for Boys. Ms. Koehler is a professional member of the Louisville Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Ms. Koehler currently serves as Division Chief of the General Trial Unit, Division D, and is a Senior Narcotics Prosecutor in charge of Special Narcotics Investigations.
Bill Adams - Senior Narcotics Prosecutor, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney
Mr. Adams received his license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1986 and came to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney in October of 1990. Before coming to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney Mr. Adams worked in private practice. Mr. Adams received his Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville in 1981 and his Juris Doctor from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville in 1985. Mr. Adams instructs for the Louisville Division of Police as an instructor in the areas of Narcotics and Search and Seizure. Mr. Adams is a professional member of the Kentucky Bar Association and the Louisville Bar Association. After serving as Deputy Division Chief of the Narcotics Unit for many years, Mr. Adams became a Senior Narcotics Prosecutor. He is currently assigned to the Rocket Docket.
