Baltimore Officer Pleads Guilty In Drug Case

BALTIMORE (AP) -- A Baltimore police officer has pleaded guilty to federal drug and weapons charges.

Kendell Richburg, 36, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm to further drug trafficking.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says Richburg told a drug dealer when it was safe to sell drugs, and in return, the dealer gave information about his customers so Richburg could arrest them. He faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison when he's sentenced on June 11.

Police Commissioner Anthony Batts called the plea deal a victory for Baltimore that shows the department's commitment to accountability. Richburg's attorney did not immediately return a telephone message from The Associated Press.

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