2 San Francisco Police Officers Convicted On Several Counts In Federal Corruption Trial
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Two San Francisco police officers were found guilty on about half the charges against them in a federal corruption trial as the jury reached a verdict on Friday.
Officer Edmond Robles, 47, of Danville was convicted of five counts and Sgt. Ian Furminger, 47, of Pleasant Hill was convicted of four, police officials said. There was one hung verdict where the jurors couldn't reach a decision.
"The federal jurors came back guilty on wire fraud and convicted Sgt. Furminger of several counts. They acquitted on the extortion charges and they acquitted on all other counts," said Defense Attorney Brian Getz, who represented Sgt. Furminger. "He has been admired by his peers, promoted with regularity. He was San Francisco police officer of the year in 2000. He's been shot at. People have tried to run him over in the course and scope of duty. He has been stabbed and he has been a heroic combatant for the citizens of San Francisco and I'm just sorry it has come to this."
Furminger and Robles were charged with conspiracy to commit theft from the Police Department, theft of more than $5,000 and conspiracy to violate civil rights. They are also accused of two counts of depriving the citizens of San Francisco of their honest services between 2008 and 2012; two counts of wire fraud; and conspiracy to distribute drugs between 2009 and 2011. Furminger alone had been accused of a ninth count of extorting property from a confidential informant in 2011 and 2012.
Getz said prison is a certainty for his client and expects he will spend years behind bars. Sentencing for the officers has been set for early next year.
Furminger was awarded SFPD's police officer of the year in 2000. Both Furminger and Robles had worked at the department's Mission Station.
San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi released a statement following the reading of the verdict.
"The convictions bring a measure of justice to the victims, who were ripped off, falsely arrested and disbelieved for far too long. Those 12 jurors sent a message—that there are consequences for bullies who victimize the poor and powerless under color of authority."
Police Chief Greg Suhr addressed reporters Friday afternoon and admitted it was a bad day for his department. He is now seeking the immediate termination of both officers and expects the police commission to act expeditiously in making that happen.
Suhr added that the San Francisco retirement system would be getting the required paperwork necessary to terminate any future pension consideration for both officers. Furminger and Robles had been suspended without pay.