The New York Times-20080125-Georgia- Ex-Officer Pleads Guilty In Extortion Scheme- -Brief-
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Georgia: Ex-Officer Pleads Guilty In Extortion Scheme; [Brief]
A former Atlanta police officer pleaded guilty to his role in an extortion scheme that was uncovered during an inquiry of a fatal 2006 police shooting in a botched drug raid. The former officer, Daniel Betts, 26, admitted taking payoffs from the owner of an apartment complex that functions as a rehabilitation facility in exchange for special protection. Federal prosecutors said Mr. Betts was implicated after an officer involved in the Nov. 21, 2006, killing of Kathryn Johnston, 92, told investigators that several members of the department were taking such payoffs. Mr. Betts pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with interstate commerce by means of extortion under color of official right. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
