OFFICER PLEADS

BUFFALO, N. Y. - A former Buffalo police officer with a history of
on-the-job problems pleaded guilty Wednesday to drug-trafficing.

William Westbrook, a 17-year veteran who resigned after his arrest
last year, will likely be sentenced to between two years and 30 months
in prison under a plea agreement with the government. Sentencing was
set for May 5.

Westbrook, 50, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to possession of
cocaine base with intent to distribute, and possession of a stolen
firearm. The charges were filed after a search of Westbrook's
apartment in September turned up 12 packets of cocaine in the pocket
of a uniform shirt, along with a stolen .44-caliber handgun.