Pubdate: Mon, 12 May 2003 Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA) Copyright: 2003 San Jose Mercury News Contact: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/390 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States) REPORT: OFFICERS RAN RING FOR ROBBERIES A former LAPD officer awaiting sentencing on drug trafficking charges is suspected of running a criminal network with friends, relatives and other police officers who stole drugs, money and property in home-invasion style robberies, sometimes while wearing police uniforms, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday. Ruben Palomares, a former officer in the Rampart Division, and his cohorts allegedly used police squad cars while committing some robberies, the newspaper reported, citing law enforcement documents and people with knowledge of the investigation. Palomares, 33, is expected to be sentenced Wednesday on separate drug charges. He pleaded guilty last year and could receive 15 years in prison. His attorney declined to comment Sunday, pending sentencing of his client. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom