by: Nu Yang

Two young Kentucky journalists were able to take down a corrupt sheriff, thanks to their research and hard work.

Corbin (Ky.) Times-Tribune managing editor Samantha Swindler and reporter Adam Sulfridge (then 27 and 20 respectively) began investigating former Whitley County Sheriff Lawrence Hodge three years ago. As a result of the investigation, Hodge was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison after pleading guilty in a federal court to drug-related charges, extortion, and money laundering.

Since then, Sulfridge has graduated from college, and Swindler is now editor and publisher of the Tillamook Headlight Herald, an Oregon-based weekly.