Pubdate: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH) Copyright: 2013 The Columbus Dispatch Contact: http://www.dispatch.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93 Page: 25 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States) EX-COP GETS PROBATION FOR ROLE IN DRUG SMUGGLING CINCINNATI (AP) - A former Ohio police officer who once received a medal of valor for rescuing a woman from a burning home avoided jail time yesterday stemming from his connection to a marijuana smuggling operation. Bryon Roos, formerly an officer in the Cincinnati suburb of North College Hill, admitted to depositing money meant to avoid bank-reporting requirements as part of the operation that involved at least 10 other men. In exchange for his guilty plea in February, prosecutors dropped more-serious charges of marijuana importation and exportation and conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Roos was sentenced to 21 years of probation, including six months of home confinement, and ordered to pay a $5 million fine. Others charged in the scheme received prison sentences ranging from four to 14 years. Henry Sirkin, Roos' attorney, said his client is extremely remorseful and is now a stay at-home dad focusing on his 4-month-old son. "He's happy with the penalty that he received, and he knows he made a mistake," Sirkin said. Federal authorities said the conspiracy began around June 2006, when another defendant began receiving shipments of marijuana hidden in the gas tanks of vehicles at a Cincinnati auto business. He and Roos would operate used-car businesses to launder illegal drug proceeds and provide "what appeared to be a legitimate source of income," according to the government. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt