A former San Francisco police officer indicted along with two officers in a corruption investigation has acknowledged stealing more than $5,000 in computers, gift cards and other property from people during searches.
Reynaldo Vargas pleaded guilty to four felony charges this week, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. In his plea agreement, Vargas acknowledged the thefts and said he and two other officers, Sgt. Ian Furminger and Officer Edmond Robles, took confiscated marijuana.
Vargas said he then gave the drugs to two people the officers were trying to recruit as informants, knowing they would sell the marijuana.
In addition, Vargas said he allowed the confidential informants to keep some of the drugs he supplied to them for personal use.
Prosecutors have agreed to drop a civil rights violation charge.
Furminger and Robles have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to go to trial in November.
Vargas was fired from the police department in 2012.
As part of his plea agreement, Vargas has agreed to cooperate with the prosecution of the other officers.
