Cop nabbed in sting gets 3 yrs in jail

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - One of the Providence police officers arrested during the drug sting dubbed "Operation Deception" pleaded guilty during an appearance at Providence Superior Court Friday afternoon.

Patrolman Robert Hamlin pleaded guilty to all three counts of conspiracy against him.

Superior Court Judge Robert Krause sentenced Hamlin to ten years, with three to serve. He will be up for parole in March 2011.

Hamlin, one of four city officers indicted in the undercover drug investigation, is accused of protecting his brother from authorities.

Investigators said Albert Hamlin, who is currently awaiting sentencing on drug charges, was the ring leader of the operation.

• Operation Deception Timeline

State police said the four officers initially charged either bought drugs from Albert Hamlin, or protected him from arrest. Two of them have already pleaded guilty or no contest and charges were dropped against the other.

More than a dozen other suspects were nabbed in the case.