SAN FRANCISCO—The U.S. District Court has ruled a verdict in a Mission Station’s high-profile police corruption case.
On December 5, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer announced that former San Francisco Police officers Edmond Robles and Ian Furminger were guilty of federal felony charges for the 2009 theft of money and property during their service as plainclothes officers.
Robles and Furminger were accused of plotting with informants and drug dealers to rob other drug dealers of money and narcotics.
Robles was convicted on five counts: two counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit theft, theft of more than $5,000 from a federally funded program, and conspiracy against civil rights.
Furminger was convicted on four counts: two counts of wire fraud, conspiracy against civil rights, and conspiracy to commit theft concerning a federally funded program.
Furminger was acquitted of charges of theft and extortion, the former because the jury was deadlocked concerning his guilt.
Both officers were acquitted on charges of defrauding the citizens of San Francisco and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Aiding in their conviction was February’s guilty plea by fellow former Mission Station officer Reynaldo Vargas, who agreed to testify against Robles and Furminger as part of his plea deal.
“The convictions bring a measure of justice to the victims, who were ripped off, falsely arrested, and disbelieved for far too long,” said San Francisco public defender Jeff Adachi. “Those twelve jurors sent a message: that there are consequences for bullies who victimize the poor and powerless under the color of authority.”
By Joseph Wilhelm
