10 SAN ANTONIO OFFICERS ACCUSED OF PROVIDING AID TO DRUG DEALERS

SAN ANTONIO -- Ten San Antonio officers were arrested Thursday for
allegedly providing protection for cocaine dealers.

The arrests stunned the Texas city but served as a warning that drug
corruption is not restricted to south of the Rio Grande, police said.

"We are sickened and shocked by the inexcusable actions of these officers,"
San Antonio Police Chief Al Philippus told reporters. "My badge was shining
brightly before I heard about this. It's tarnished now."

The 10 law enforcement officers included eight from the San Antonio Police
Department, a Bexar County sheriff's deputy and a reserve deputy constable,
authorities said. Two civilians, including an uncle of one of the officers,
were also jailed.

They could face up to life in prison if convicted on multiple charges of
conspiracy to distribute cocaine, said Dist. Atty. Bill Blagg.

"Basically, they were renting out their badges and guns for whatever
protection that might be needed," Blagg said.