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Ex-Chicago officer pleads guilty to conspiracy

Posted December 01, 2011 11:00 pm

Associated Press

HAMMOND, Ind. — A former Chicago police officer has pleaded guilty to racketeering and drug charges two weeks after being accused of stealing from drug dealers and turning the money, drugs and firearms over to Latin Kings gang members.

Under an agreement with prosecutors, 40-year-old Antonio Martinez Jr. pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court in Hammond, Ind., to federal charges of racketeering activity, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, interfering with commerce by threats or violence and carrying a gun during crimes of violence and drug trafficking.

He acknowledged wearing his Chicago police uniform while committing the crimes, which occurred between 2004 and 2006.

Martinez left the department two years ago for medical reasons.

A telephone message seeking comment was left Friday for Martinez’s lawyer, Mark Psimos.

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