LITTLE ROCK — One of the five police officers indicted in a massive investigation into drug trafficking and corruption in eastern Arkansas has been sentenced to 2 years in prison.
Robert Wahls, a former Marvell police officer, pleaded guilty in January to extortion and money laundering after being indicted as part of the federal Operation Delta Blues investigation.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Bill Wilson agreed to the 2-year sentence recommended as part of a plea deal.
Wahls apologized for his actions, saying he regretted "bringing this humilation and shame on my family."
"I broke the public trust," Wahls said shortly before being sentenced. "I just want to say that I'm sorry."
Wahls was charged with accepting $500 from an informant and using his police vehicle to escort a drug shipment through Marvell. In exchange for his guilty plea, seven other counts against him were dropped.
Wahls faced up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The other four officers were also accused of taking bribes or overlooking criminal offenses. Three of the others have also pleaded guilty while the fourth, Marlene Kalb, is scheduled to go to trial in July.
Gallery: Operation Delta Blues