Antonio Martinez Jr., 42, could have faced up to life in prison, but a federal judge in Hammond cut him a break for his extraordinary cooperation, including wearing a wire on his own partner.
In agreeing to the terms recommended by prosecutors, U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano said he recognized that Martinez's cooperation against a fellow cop and high-ranking gang members was unusual and put him and his family in considerable danger.
Still, Lozano had harsh words for Martinez, saying he had "tarnished the star" and the reputations of honest police officers who put their lives on the line every day.
"People know that I don't like drug dealers, and I don't like gangs, but (I) especially don't like dirty cops," Lozano said as Martinez sat at the defense table with his eyes downcast.
Martinez, a former tactical officer from Chicago's Southeast Side for 12 years, pleaded guilty in December 2011 to racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and using threats or violence. His former partner, Alex Guerrero pleaded guilty because of Martinez’s cooperation and was sentenced last summer to 19 years in prison.
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