Cop pleads guilty in Op. Deception

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Providence narcotics detective has pleaded guilty to conspiracy, harboring a criminal and two other counts following a widespread State Police drug investigation that netted four Providence police officers and 20 others.

Joseph Colanduono is so far the only police officer to plead guilty in the probe known as Operation Deception . One other man, Albert Hamlin, brother of another charged Providence police officer, has pleaded guilty to drug-dealing charges.

Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch said, “The plea entered today by Detective Joseph Colanduono, who tarnished the badge with which he was entrusted, marks a sad day for law enforcement. Both his plea today and the sentencing that will follow are appropriate responses to his betrayal of his oath and his disregard for the safety of his fellow officers and the people he pledged to serve and protect."

Prosecutors say Colanduono bought cocaine from Hamlin and shielded him from arrest. He faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced next month.

Colanduono served on a task force run by the DEA until he was arrested. He and the other officers have been suspended without pay.