News (Media Awareness Project) - US WA: Ex-Police Officer Sentenced To 6 12 Years |
| Title: | US WA: Ex-Police Officer Sentenced To 6 12 Years |
| Published On: | 2003-02-02 |
| Source: | Tacoma News Tribune (WA) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-08-28 14:28:57 |
EX-POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED TO 6 1/2 YEARS
A former police officer who admitted shaking down drug dealers for dope and
cash while on duty has been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in federal prison.
"From the bottom of my heart, my apologies go to my family, the citizens
and the Seattle Police Department," Steve Slaughter said in U.S. District
Court on Friday, reading from a statement as his wife and other supporters
looked on.
Slaughter, 27, pleaded guilty in November to charges of possession of
heroin with intent to distribute, distribution of heroin, extortion and
possession of a firearm.
He said he realized he had misused his position of power and disgraced his
uniform. After his arrest, the department took the unusual step of
destroying the badge he had been assigned.
"My actions are inexcusable," Slaughter told U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly.
Slaughter had faced a possible life term and fines of as much as $250,000.
In seeking a lighter sentence, defense attorney Brian Tsuchida said
Slaughter's involvement with drug dealers and users was "baffling."
Slaughter gained nothing from the relationships, didn't earn large amounts
of cash and didn't try to get sexual favors from the woman who was his main
connection to the drug world.
"It was very much a losing proposition," Tsuchida said.
He also noted that the former officer's time in prison is likely to be
difficult. Even now, Slaughter is kept in isolation at the Federal
Detention Center in SeaTac out of concern for his safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Diskin sought an 18-month sentence for
Slaughter, plus five years because he was carrying his service revolver at
the time of the offenses.
Zilly said a sentence at the low end of the scale was appropriate.
"I don't know when I've read as many letters from people saying good things
about a defendant who is being sentenced," Zilly said, adding that he will
recommend drug treatment for Slaughter in prison.
Slaughter was a Seattle police officer for less than three years. He
previously served in the Army and worked briefly as a sheriff's deputy in
Lee County, N.C.
A former police officer who admitted shaking down drug dealers for dope and
cash while on duty has been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in federal prison.
"From the bottom of my heart, my apologies go to my family, the citizens
and the Seattle Police Department," Steve Slaughter said in U.S. District
Court on Friday, reading from a statement as his wife and other supporters
looked on.
Slaughter, 27, pleaded guilty in November to charges of possession of
heroin with intent to distribute, distribution of heroin, extortion and
possession of a firearm.
He said he realized he had misused his position of power and disgraced his
uniform. After his arrest, the department took the unusual step of
destroying the badge he had been assigned.
"My actions are inexcusable," Slaughter told U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly.
Slaughter had faced a possible life term and fines of as much as $250,000.
In seeking a lighter sentence, defense attorney Brian Tsuchida said
Slaughter's involvement with drug dealers and users was "baffling."
Slaughter gained nothing from the relationships, didn't earn large amounts
of cash and didn't try to get sexual favors from the woman who was his main
connection to the drug world.
"It was very much a losing proposition," Tsuchida said.
He also noted that the former officer's time in prison is likely to be
difficult. Even now, Slaughter is kept in isolation at the Federal
Detention Center in SeaTac out of concern for his safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Diskin sought an 18-month sentence for
Slaughter, plus five years because he was carrying his service revolver at
the time of the offenses.
Zilly said a sentence at the low end of the scale was appropriate.
"I don't know when I've read as many letters from people saying good things
about a defendant who is being sentenced," Zilly said, adding that he will
recommend drug treatment for Slaughter in prison.
Slaughter was a Seattle police officer for less than three years. He
previously served in the Army and worked briefly as a sheriff's deputy in
Lee County, N.C.
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