A former Oglesby police dispatcher, who investigators believe derailed a drug raid two weeks ago in rural Oglesby, was taken into custody this morning.

Kara M. Kamin, 22, of 209 Church St., Oglesby -- formerly of Ottawa -- is charged with obstruction of justice. She surrendered at the sheriff's office this morning, was booked and then posted $500 bond.

Authorities believe Kamin tipped off 24-year-old Richard J. Nickel that the state police drug task force had a search warrant for Nickel's home. Task force officers did not find illegal drugs at the home when they then used the search warrant to raid the home Feb. 22.

The task force is headquartered at the Oglesby Police Station, having moved there last summer from La Salle.

Oglesby Police Chief Tom Martin said suspicion came to rest on Kamin and he referred the suspicion to the La Salle County Sheriff's Office for investigation.

Martin said he fired Kamin Wednesday. She had worked for the Oglesby department for 3 1/2 years.

"She had been a good employee," Martin observed.

Kamin studied criminal justice in college and completed an internship with the Ottawa Police Department between May and July 2005, according to Ottawa Police Capt. Paul Pitstick.

The charge Kamin faces can be punished by fine, probation and as long as three years in prison. Kamin's case is assigned to Circuit Judge Cynthia Raccuglia. No court hearing was scheduled as of this morning.

Kamin had no prior court record in La Salle County except for two traffic tickets.