Last week, a Chicago-area officer was sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges that he resold drugs he had confiscated from drug dealers during the course of his work. Two other officers were also charged for their involvement in the incident. All the officers were hit with felony charges, which included conspiracy, theft and burglary, and delivery of a controlled substance.
According to prosecutors, the officers withheld drugs, which including cocaine and marijuana, obtained during arrests and resold them through a dealer over a six month period. The scheme apparently unraveled when an informant notified investigators that the officers had asked him to sell their drugs. The girlfriend of the officer sentenced last week is currently facing drug charges as well for her participation in the conspiracy.
Obviously, it is a very serious matter when a police officer is accused of using his or her position of power to partake in illegal activity. That being said, police officers deserve a criminal defense just like anybody else.
Whenever anybody is faced with charges of drug conspiracy, it is important for them to understand the process of police investigation and what prosecutors are looking for to support their case. Put simply, it doesn’t take a lot for one to be charged with drug conspiracy. All it takes is for prosecutors to show that one is in association with those who used, possessed or sold the drugs.
It is critical for those facing potential conspiracy charges to work with an experienced attorney in building the best possible defense for themselves. Doing so will ensure the best outcome for them, even if that outcome is not ideal.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “Cop pleads guilty to drug charges, gets 24 years,” March 21, 2014.
