Former police officers sentenced in scheme to rob drug dealers

DETROIT (AP) — Two men have been sentenced to prison for conspiring to rob drug dealers when they were Detroit police officers.

Former Lt. David Hansberry was sentenced to 12 ½ years Wednesday, while former Officer Bryan Watson got nine years behind bars.

Evidence at trial showed the men arranged drug deals and fake arrests so they could steal drugs, money and personal property.

They were convicted of conspiracy last summer but acquitted of other charges.

In a court filing, the government said Hansberry and Watson “made a mockery of the criminal justice system” and endangered Detroit neighborhoods.

Watson declined to speak in court. Hansberry said he had to lie to get drugs off the streets.