Cincinnati Enquirer’s Janice Morse reports:
A police officer pleaded guilty to two felony charges, then resigned from his job Wednesday.
David Busemeyer, who was accused of alerting a drug dealer to an undercover bust, admitted to attempted tampering with evidence and obstructing official business. In exchange for his plea in Butler County Common Pleas Court, a charge of obstructing justice was dismissed.
Busemeyer also was accused of revealing the identity of a confidential informant in the case.
After the plea, Busemeyer tendered his resignation from the job he had held since August 2002, said Police Chief Erik Niehaus. Busemeyer, 37, had been on suspension without pay and without benefits since his indictment in November.
- Story: Busemeyer misses plea agreement deadline, case goes to trial
- Story: Busemeyer’s request for drug treatment denied again
- Details from the court documents filed by Butler County prosecutors
Busemeyer faces a maximum prison term of two and a half years, but could be granted probation at sentencing, which Judge Keith Spaeth set for March 8.
Twice before, Spaeth had turned down Busemeyer’s request to complete a court-ordered treatment program for substance abuse instead of facing possible prison time. Busemeyer has said he was addicted to steroids and painkillers.
After court, Niehaus commended Butler County Prosecutor Michael T. Gmoser and West Chester investigators for their role in the case.
The chief declined further comment, but a news release said: “West Chester Township and its employees uphold the highest standards of professional integrity. Deviations from this standard are not tolerated.”
