FORMER SAN ANTONIO OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY IN DRUG CASE

Uncle Also Admits Role In Conspiracy Involving Lawmen

SAN ANTONIO - A former San Antonio police officer and his uncle pleaded
guilty Wednesday to federal charges of conspiring to sell cocaine.

Conrad Fragozo Jr., an ex-sergeant in the city's police force, and Edward
Fragozo entered their pleas during a half-hour proceeding before U.S.
District Judge Edward Prado.

Eight of the 12 people swept up in an FBI undercover operation in March
have now entered guilty pleas. The other four are scheduled for trial
starting next month.

John Convery, lawyer for Conrad Fragozo, said afterward that his client had
negotiated a sentencing cap of 20 years, while Albert Rodriguez,
representing Edward Fragozo, said his client's cap was set at eight years
because he played a lesser role.

"We're as content as we could be," Mr. Rodriguez said of his client's deal
with federal prosecutors. "We could be elated, but we had to be realistic."

Daryl Fields, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in San Antonio,
said prosecutors would not comment on the plea deals because of the related
cases still pending.

The judge did not set a sentencing date. Both Fragozos remained free on bond.

Eight San Antonio Police Department officers, two Bexar County deputies and
two civilians were arrested in the case, which was the fruit of a
three-year undercover investigation.

Seven, including both Fragozos, were accused of conspiring to protect what
they believed were large cocaine shipments in exchange for payments of as
much as $6,500. The shipments, actually simulated bricks of the drug, were
supplied by federal agents posing as smugglers.

The Fragozos pleaded guilty to conspiring to sell and possession with the
intent to sell more than 5 kilograms, or roughly 11 pounds, of the drug.

Despite accepting the plea deal, Mr. Convery argues that the FBI entrapped
the officers and civilians, and that the agency and prosecutors have
withheld evidence that would prove it.

"Our contention is that this is a public corruption case," he said. "The
FBI came to the cops with an offer, and they bit."