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.
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