CHICAGO (AP) — A trial is underway in Chicago of a former police officer accused of tipping off street gang members about an upcoming raid on several drug operations on the city’s West Side.
Ronald T. Coleman is accused of telling members of the Conservative Vice Lords street gang in 2014 of planned raids by federal agents and local police.
Authorities learned their plans were compromised through a wiretap on a telephone of a drug supplier.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shoba Pillay told a jury Tuesday the tip came from Coleman, who is charged with obstruction of justice. Coleman allegedly spotted a friend with a target of the planned raid and warned the friend’s cousin.
Defense attorney Matt McQuaid says the feds only have two untrustworthy witnesses to tie the 46-year-old Coleman to the tip.
