EX-POLICE OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY

Man'sTestimony Will Be Used Against Others

TAMPA - A former Plant City police officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to one
count of conspiracy to violate civil rights in the ongoing federal
investigation of alleged police department corruption.

Robert David Dixon, who could face up to 10 years in jail and a $250,000
fine, was released on his own recognizance after the plea was entered
before U.S. Magistrate Thomas G. Wilson.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Del Fuoco said he plans to use Dixon's
testimony to finger others in the investigation of the police department
that began last year.

It could be as long as 75 days before a sentencing hearing is scheduled,
the judge said. However, federal prosecutors could ask that the hearing be
delayed so they can have Dixon available during the investigation.

Dixon's agreement details his account of illegal searches, theft of
property during narcotics investigations and illegally obtained warrants.

He says others in the unit he served in - the Special Investigations Unit -
were party to these activities.

According to the agreement, Dixon said that a city official who is not a
member of the police department was aware of the misdeeds. The official,
like the officers allegedly involved in the conspiracy, was not identified.

Police Chief Bill McDaniel couldn't be reached for comment. He previously
denied any wrongdoing by his department.

Dixon would not comment Tuesday. His attorney, Daniel Castillo, promises
that the case against the police will continue to unfold.