Indicted E.C. cop released after posting bond
CHICAGO — East Chicago police officer Xavier Herrera, arrested while allegedly trying to buy 3 kilograms of cocaine during a federal drug sting last week, was released from custody Friday after posting his house as bond.
Herrera had negotiated his release with prosecutors following a hearing Tuesday. Magistrate Judge Susan Cox set bond at $60,000.
Herrera and co-defendants Fedrick Farmer and Juan Gutierrez all are charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
The 18-year veteran of the East Chicago Police Department has been placed on unpaid leave from his job as a patrol officer.
Herrera was arrested July 3 in the parking lot of a Summit, Ill., Burger King where he allegedly had arranged to buy up to 10 kilograms of cocaine from an informant with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
Herrera and co-defendants Farmer and Gutierrez gave the informant a bag holding more than $60,000 to buy 3 kilograms, stating they didn’t have enough money to buy the 10 kilos they had discussed during several phone calls and in-person meetings dating back to March.
After he was arrested, Herrera reportedly told DEA agents he would make $500 on the transaction, court records state.
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