Corey Pierce
San Luis Obispo Police Department narcotics officer Corey Pierce pleaded guilty to extortion Monday in federal court in Los Angeles. [New Times]
Pierce 39, pleaded guilty to one of two counts of extortion. In April, he pleaded not guilty to one count of extortion and one count of bribery.
A Judge scheduled sentencing for December 9 in Los Angeles District Court. Pierce faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors accused Pierce of stealing drugs from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Department’s evidence locker while serving on the narcotics task force.
A local probationer said Pierce manipulated him and his girlfriend into selling or trading drugs for the officer, which they did about 80 times.
Pierce provided the probationer and his girlfriend placebo pain pills to trade for real pain pills or drugs used for his heroin addiction. In exchange, Pierce said he could get rid of a heroin charge.
Following his arrest in February, Pierce has remained on paid administrative leave from his position.
