FBI Investigate Several DC Officers for Gambling Connected to Homicides

Federal investigators are looking into allegations that several D.C.-area law enforcement officers were involved in a Maryland gambling ring that may also be connected to homicides, the Washington Post reported Sunday.

The probe has targeted five Prince George’s County police officers, a District police official and a former D.C. Housing Authority officer, the report said. The officers allegedly helped protect illegal gambling sites that rotated around Southern Maryland. Sometimes the officers reportedly wore uniforms while providing security for high-stakes craps games with pots as high as $100,000.

Prince George’s County Police Chief Roberto Hylton said he turned over the entire probe to the FBI after he took over the department earlier this year. Three of the suspected officers have retired or are on leave. The probe has been under way since 2007.

Trooper Michael Ford Robbed while Playing Illegal Poker Game

The Maryland State Police say a trooper who was robbed while allegedly playing in an illegal poker game in Hagerstown has retired.

But an attorney for 34-year-old Michael Ford says Ford retired for medical reasons unrelated to the poker game.

State police spokeswoman Elena Russo Ford's retirement was effective Jan. 1. She says Ford had served 10 years, 11 months with the state police.

Prosecutors say Ford was among 18 people robbed at gunpoint of about $4,000 by two masked men May 30 during a Texas Hold 'Em game inside an office building.

Prosecutors dropped charges last month against the only suspect arrested for the robbery, citing a lack of strong evidence.

The man who rented the office for gambling was fined $1,000.