A North Carolina police officer is accused of selling 56 grams of cocaine for $2,600 while he was in uniform and sitting in his patrol car, according to federal prosecutors.
Raleigh police officer Keven Rodriguez, 33, was taken into custody by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Wednesday after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley said at a news conference.
Rodriguez is charged with distribution of a quantity of cocaine and possession of a firearm in connection with that offense, Easley said.
On January 24, Rodriguez allegedly met with a confidential informant and sold them 56 grams of cocaine in exchange for $2,600 in cash, Easley said, adding that he drove to the meeting in his patrol car, while in uniform and carrying his department firearm.
The wired informant spoke to Rodriguez through his right passenger window, and the transaction was recorded on audio and video and observed live by agents.
He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison if convicted, and a maximum of life in prison. It was unclear whether or not he had an attorney representing him at this time.
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