REPORT: OFFICERS RAN RING FOR ROBBERIES

A former LAPD officer awaiting sentencing on drug trafficking charges is
suspected of running a criminal network with friends, relatives and other
police officers who stole drugs, money and property in home-invasion style
robberies, sometimes while wearing police uniforms, the Los Angeles Times
reported Sunday.

Ruben Palomares, a former officer in the Rampart Division, and his cohorts
allegedly used police squad cars while committing some robberies, the
newspaper reported, citing law enforcement documents and people with
knowledge of the investigation.

Palomares, 33, is expected to be sentenced Wednesday on separate drug
charges. He pleaded guilty last year and could receive 15 years in prison.
His attorney declined to comment Sunday, pending sentencing of his client.