A longtime Ohio policeman accused of conspiring with another officer to falsely obtain search warrants and keep up to $250,000 in cash and property seized in drug investigations has pleaded guilty to federal charges under an agreement with prosecutors.
Investigators allege the Reynoldsburg officers conspired to violate people's rights against unreasonable searches and stole between $150,000 and $250,000 in seized money and property since 2006.
Shane Mauger, 42, of Columbus, pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Columbus to conspiracy to deprive people of civil rights and federal programs theft. Each charge could bring up to 10 years in prison.
Mauger's attorney said Wednesday that Mauger wanted to do the right thing.
Authorities say Mauger's alleged co-conspirator hanged himself in jail after his arrest.
