COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Federal prosecutors say a former Columbus police detective has been sentenced to more than four years in prison in a drug-related case.
Authorities alleged Stevie Billups was paid to protect a drug dealer during two transactions while he was an officer.
Prosecutors say the 48-year-old Billups pleaded guilty to one count of attempted possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Other charges were dropped.
A judge on Friday sentenced Billups to 57 months in prison and fined him $10,000.
The Columbus Dispatch (https://bit.ly/1hygwMS ) reports Billups told the judge his actions were driven by a gambling addiction that ruined his life.
The newspaper says Billups was fired last fall.
A message seeking comment was left for his attorney, Mark Collins, near the close of business Friday.
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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, https://www.dispatch.com
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