OFFICERS CONFESS TO DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS

OPA-LOCKA · They were partners on the police force who stole drugs from the
dealers and sold the stolen drugs themselves. They ransacked a dealer's
apartment and confiscated an assault rifle to use as their own. They broke
into their own Police Department's evidence room, stealing crack and a gun.

Faced with these allegations by federal agents, Robert Kukowinski and
William Booker confessed, admitting that they broke some of the laws they
were sworn to enforce. They were arrested Wednesday after a five-month
investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation into their alleged
shady dealings.

The arrests are the latest blow to the Opa-locka Police Department, a small
agency mired with big problems. For years, the city has dealt with its
share of scandals, from the mayor's fender bender while driving a police
pursuit vehicle to a major's demotion for allegedly lying about a fist
fight with a former chief to officers claiming they were paid overtime in
the late '90s to protect the dealers, not the community.

The officers' arrests mark a first step in Chief Ronald Wilson's cleanup
efforts. They were arrested after authorities watched and listened to their
drug deals.

Robert Kukowinski, a 12-year veteran police officer, admitted buying $100
worth of crack cocaine from a dealer, stealing crack from the police
property room and buying 700 rocks of crack cocaine from his partner,
according to an arrest affidavit.

Booker is accused of dealing in drugs, admitting to stealing the dealer's
rifle and selling it for $600 and selling a quarter ounce of cocaine for
$200 to Kukowinski. He, too, is out on bond.