The Houston Chronicle
SAN ANTONIO, Tex. — A Laredo police officer accused of taking bribes from an illegal gambling operation pleaded guilty to extortion as part of an agreement with federal prosecutors.
Sgt. Alfonso Santos, 51, admitted Thursday to receiving almost weekly bribes from the gambling outfits in exchange for protection from police raids. Prosecutors said he received $37,040 in payoffs between April 2003 and November 2006.
A second officer, Lt. Eloy Rodriguez, faces similar charges along with several counts of cocaine possession and distribution.
Santos agreed to cooperate fully with federal authorities in exchange for prosecutors not contesting his expected request for a smaller sentence. He could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has recorded conversations of Santos and Rodriguez claiming to have collected money for an unindicted third co-conspirator.
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle