Officer admits to robbing drug suspects

One of two Chicago police officers accused of conspiring with a narcotics dealer to steal $31,100 in what they mistakenly believed was drug money has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to racketeering charges.

Richard Doroniuk admitted he robbed drug dealers of cash numerous times, planted drugs on people he arrested and used fake informants to secure search warrants.

According to his defense attorney, Doroniuk agreed to cooperate with federal authorities and is expected to testify at the trial of his former partner, Mahmoud Shamah, who was also charged in the scheme.

Doroniuk admitted to planning to commit robberies with Shamah and Larry Cross, who officials say is a drug dealer and who was also charged.

The plea agreement alleges Cross helped the two officers by supplying them information about suspected drug dealers and posing as an informant for search warrants.