Two San Francisco police officers accused of stealing money and property from suspects have been convicted on multiple felony charges.
A federal jury found Officer Edmond Robles guilty Friday of five felony charges, including theft of more than $5,000 worth of property from a federally funded program. The jury found Sgt. Ian Furminger guilty of four felony charges.
The two officers were accused of stealing money and gift cards during searches of suspects' homes in 2009.
Both were acquitted of two counts each of defrauding the citizens of San Francisco and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Furminger was acquitted of a charge of extortion that only he faced, and the jury deadlocked over a theft charge.
They are scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 23.
A third officer, Reynaldo Vargas, pleaded guilty to four felony charges in October and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.
Vargas testified against the pair, admitting that they stole $30,000 from a suspected drug dealer and as little as a $50 gift card from another.
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The verdict was read in the court of U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer at about noon.
"The convictions bring a measure of justice to the victims, who were ripped off, falsely arrested and disbelieved for far too long," San Francisco public defender Jeff Adachi said in a statement. "Those 12 jurors sent a message -- that there are consequences for bullies who victimize the poor and powerless under color of authority."
Attorneys for Furminger and Robles said their clients will remain free while they concentrate on the sentencing set for February.
"In past cases like this, I've seen sentences running from five to eight years," said defense lawyer Brian Getz.
San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr defended his department on Friday.
"This is a very hard day, and I'm feeling for hard working men and women on the streets right now because they deserve better," Suhr said.
In the Mission District -- where Furminger, Robles and Vargas were stationed -- residents said the relations with police has not always been good.
Three more officers from SFPD's Southern District Station are set for trail in January.
Bay City News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
