COP ADMITS ROBBING DRUG DEALERS, WILL TESTIFY

A police officer near the center of a ring of cops accused of robbing
drug dealers on Chicago's South Side has pleaded guilty and agreed to
cooperate with federal prosecutors.

Corey Flagg, 35, a member of an allegedly rogue Englewood District
tactical unit, entered a guilty plea to drug conspiracy charges
Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Ronald Guzman.

Flagg allegedly was recruited along with others by Officer Broderick
Jones, also charged in the case, "to conduct vehicle stops and home
invasions of drug dealers in order to illegally obtain drugs, money
and weapons from those drug dealers," the plea agreement says. Flagg
could have faced up to life in prison, but he would now be sentenced
to about 10 years and 6 months in prison for his help.

His lawyer, Jeffrey Steinback, said he expects that cooperation will
include Flagg testifying against his former partners.

Flagg has been in negotiations with the government for some time,
Steinback said. "He's always been willing to own up to his mistakes," he said.

Flagg, a police officer since 1996, recently has been working in
construction to support his family, the lawyer said.

"It's been extremely difficult," Steinback said. "He's a proud man,
and he's trying to bear up under this."

Assistant U.S. Atty. John Lausch said the scheme hinged on Jones
getting information from drug dealers and using it to rob the rivals
of those dealers.

"In doing so, Flagg and the other CPD officers used their power,
authority, official position and knowledge as law enforcement
officers to promote and protect the operation of the conspiracy,"
Lausch said, reading from the plea agreement.

Guzman asked Flagg if he was pleading guilty because he is guilty.

"Yes, your honor," Flagg said.

Jones and other officers pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of
racketeering and conspiracy. Officer Erik Johnson also has pleaded guilty.

The officers are set to be tried in September. Flagg is to be
sentenced after those prosecutions.

Jack Rimland, a lawyer for Jones, said Flagg's cooperation has been
rumored for some time. It is too early to determine its effect on the
case, he said.