Pubdate: Wed, 03 Nov 1999 Source: Tampa Tribune (FL) Copyright: 1999, The Tribune Co. Contact: http://www.tampatrib.com/ Forum: http://tampabayonline.net/interact/welcome.htm Author: Gary Sprott, of The Tampa Tribune EX-DEPUTY PLEADS GUILTY TO CIVIL RIGHTS CHARGES TAMPA - A former Manatee County sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges related to an ongoing investigation involving the department's narcotics unit. Paul Dean Maass,q 26, of Bradenton was charged last month with conspiracy to violate civil rights, civil rights violations and drug charges. Prosecutors say Maass admitted that he and other members of the sheriff's Delta Task Force planted evidence and framed suspects. Maass pleaded guilty to all counts and could face up to 51 years in federal prison and $2.5 million in fines. However, he has agreed to help prosecutors in return for the government recom mending reduced penalties. Maass was released on $50,000 bail. No sentencing date has been set. Maass joined Delta in 1997 and resigned in 1998 during an internal investigation. His former supervisor, Wayne V. Wyckoff, was charged last month with federal civil rights violations and failing to report a crime. Wyckoff, 37, of Bradenton admitted planting money on a suspect to bolster a case, prosecutors say. Wyckoff, who faces up to four years in prison and substantial fines, also has reached a plea deal. He is scheduled to plead guilty on all counts next week, court records show. Wyckoff was transferred from Delta following the internal investigation and later resigned from the sheriff's office. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea