MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A former Memphis police officer pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to charges of trying to illegally purchase prescription drugs while on duty and in uniform.
In a plea agreement, 37-year-old Michael Shane Sinnock was convicted of attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Investigators stated Sinnock tried to obtain 200 pounds of marijuana on December 14, 2011. Then on Dec. 16, Sinnock was arrested after he arranged to purchase 20 Lortab tablets from an informant. Both incidents occurred while he was on duty and in uniform.
At a Jan. 18 arraignment, Sinnock entered a plea of not guilty on charges of possession and attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. In a plea agreement with prosecutors, charges related to the marijuana were dropped.
Sinnock is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 13 and faces up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. He resigned from the Memphis Police Department in December after nearly 14 years on the force.
