HOUSTON—Former Houston Police Department (HPD) officer Marcos E. Carrion has entered a guilty plea for his role in a drug conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

On April 16, 2014, a Houston grand jury returned a sealed indictment charging Carrion with conspiring with others to possess with the intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine from mid-2013 through April 2014. Carrion, 36, a five-year HPD veteran, had been assigned to the Southwest Patrol Division prior to resigning from his position.

As part of his plea agreement, Carrion admitted to providing security for a narcotics transaction which involved 10 kilograms of cocaine. During negotiations, Carrion stated he was an HPD officer and that he “had a lot to lose,” but ultimately agreed to providing security in exchange for $2,500. After being paid, Carrion falsely claimed another officer was present and demanded another $2,500.

Carrion also agreed to provide security for future transactions which were to involve 20-30 kilogram loads of cocaine. He claimed he could arrange for additional uniformed officers to assist whom he would pay and instruct to just show up, not ask questions and do what he said.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake, who accepted the plea today, has set sentencing for Jan. 8, 2015. At that time, he faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Houston Police Department and FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark E. Donnelly and Shelley J. Hicks are prosecuting the case.