WHISTLE-BLOWER GETS 5 YEARS FOR LAPD DRUG THEFT

LOS ANGELES -- With tears in his eyes, the disgraced policeman at the center
of a huge corruption scandal apologized as he was sentenced yesterday to
five years in prison for stealing cocaine.

Rafael Perez, who has admitted framing innocent people, doctoring crime
scenes and lying in court, offered a message to rookie cops:

"Whoever chases monsters should see to it that in the

process he does not become a monster himself."

The former Los Angeles Police Department officer was sentenced under a plea
bargain that grants him immunity for other crimes he has admitted to
investigators.

He was also given credit for the time he has already spent in custody.

"The atrocities that were committed by me and those who stand accused are
unforgivable acts," said Perez, who detailed a career that, in his words,
began in idealism and deteriorated into corruption.

"I will tell you with every inch of my heart and soul, I am truly, truly
sorry," he said.

Perez, 32, was arrested in August 1998 for stealing eight pounds of cocaine
from an evidence room.

His first trial ended in a hung jury.

Seeking leniency, he began telling investigators about alleged misconduct
among fellow officers, contending that they beat, framed, stole from and
shot innocent people in the city's crime-ridden Rampart area, near downtown.

"We will not tolerate a crooked cop," the Police Protective League said. "We
believe that Mr. Perez should have received the maximum amount of time in
prison for his gross violations of the law . . . and the betrayal of the
community-police trust."

The scandal became public in September. In all, 20 officers have been
relieved of duty, and 40 tainted convictions have been overturned since
Perez began talking. Several hundred more cases are under review.

The FBI and U.S. Attorney's

Office have recently joined the Los Angeles Police Department in
investigating.

Authorities have estimated the financial toll on the city could exceed $125
million.

At yesterday's hearing, Perez read a prepared statement.

Speaking softly, he praised the loyalty of his wife, Denise, who has stood
by him. Seated in the courtroom front row, she also cried. He wept in court
as he apologized to his department, his wife and the people of Los Angeles.

He also apologized to those who were wrongfully convicted and those who were
physically hurt by his acts.

As a young boy in Philadelphia, Perez said he dreamed of being a policeman.
But after he joined the anti-gang unit, he said his values changed.

"The lines between right and wrong became fuzzy and indistinct. The us
against them ethos of the overzealous cop began to consume me and the ends
seemed to justify the means," he said.