Three former Michiana police officers plead guilty to federal charges

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Three former Michiana police officers plead guilty to federal charges

Former South Bend Police officer Jamie Buford (left), and former St. Joseph County police officers Andrew Taghon (center) and Ryan Huston are shown in separate photos leaving court dates in 2008. The trio plead guilty Friday to federal corruption charges. (WSBT-TV photos)

By WSBT 24/7 News

Story Created: Jan 31, 2009 at 3:12 AM EST

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2009 at 12:10 PM EST

Former South Bend Police officer Jamie Buford and former St. Joseph County police officers Ryan Huston and Andrew Taghon plead guilty late Friday afternoon in United States District Court in Hammond.

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Their pleas cancel their trial scheduled for Monday on corruption charges. Sentencings are scheduled for May 13 and 14, according to a statement from the United States Attorney’s Office.

Plea Details

Jamie Buford plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and carrying a firearm during drug trafficking.

Ryan Huston plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and carrying a firearm during drug trafficking.

Andrew Taghon, plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, carrying a firearm during drug trafficking and selling a firearm to a convicted felon.

Under the plea agreement terms, Buford and Huston will each be sentenced to six years in prison; Taghon will receive a sentence of 6 ½ years.

Indictments were handed down in October 2007, accusing the men of using their positions and skills as police officers to commit wire fraud by selling stolen property for which money was transferred electronically to bank accounts. Other charges involve illegal sales of drugs and guns.

Buford resigned his position in October 2007. Taghon and Huston were fired in 2006.

The trial was originally scheduled to begin Sept. 8, but was postponed by Judge Philip P. Simon, in part, because Huston hired an additional attorney.

A fourth man, Daniel Alvarez, was also indicted. He has since pleaded guilty to selling two stolen guns and agreed to testify for the prosecution.

Associated Press contributed to this story.

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