North College Hill police officer pleads to lesser charge in drug smuggling case

CINCINNATI (AP) - A North College Hill police officer has pleaded guilty to depositing money meant to avoid bank reporting requirements in a case stemming from an alleged conspiracy to smuggle marijuana.

Bryon Roos had pleaded not guilty in August to charges of money laundering, illegally structuring financial transactions, and conspiring to bring hundreds of pounds of marijuana to southern Ohio from Texas.

Investigators said the Ace One Auto Sales business on Pippen Road in Colerain Township was involved in the criminal operation. Large amounts of marijuana came from Texas to the auto dealership hidden in the gasoline tanks of vehicles.

On Thursday he pleaded guilty to a count of structuring financial transactions to evade federal reporting requirements. The plea agreement likely means Roos will avoid jail time in the case.

Although Roos could get up to 10 years in prison, the plea agreement recommends he be placed on probation.

Roos, 43, was indicted along with 10 other men. Some have agreed to plead guilty to some charges while other counts were dropped.

Additional details of Roos' plea weren't immediately available. A federal judge ordered a presentencing investigation of Roos, a veteran, decorated officer in North College Hill.

9 On Your Side and WCPO Digital will update this story as more information becomes available.