The Associated Press State & Local Wire
SECTION: STATE AND REGIONAL

Muscatine, IA

A former police officer in Muscatine has pleaded guilty to cocaine possession and second-degree theft.

Forty-eight-year old Scott Burk was arrested last August following an investigation by the Muscatine police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Authorities discovered cocaine in Burk's vehicle and residence and missing funds from the evidence room of the Muscatine County Drug Task Force.

Burk also pleaded guilty Friday to a drug tax stamp violation. He faces up to five years each for that and the theft charge and up to a year for drug possession.

Burk will be sentenced in July. Muscatine County Attorney Alan Ostergren says his office will recommend prison time.

David Treimer, Burk's attorney, says he will ask the court for probation and that Burk is currently in drug treatment.

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