Ex-Hempstead cop pleads to selling drugs

A former Hempstead Village police officer has pleaded guilty to illegally selling hundreds of painkillers and other prescription pills in a series of deals caught on hidden surveillance, Nassau County prosecutors said Friday.

The ex-officer, Brian Jones, 39, of Mineola, pleaded guilty Friday to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, prosecutors said.

Judge John Kase has said he will sentence Jones to 2 1/2 years in prison at his next court date Oct. 3.

Jones' lawyer, Jason Russo, of Uniondale, could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

Prosecutors said Jones sold oxycodone pills, a prescription painkiller, to a confidential informant as part of a long-term investigation by the district attorney's office in May. Investigators found more than a half-ounce of oxycodone in Jones' vehicle at the time of his arrest on July 19, 2011.

Jones, who was suspended without pay on an unrelated matter at the time of his arrest, was terminated from the department last September, prosecutors said.

"This defendant chose to disgrace his uniform rather than honor what it stands for," said Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice. "Instead of protecting and serving, this police officer made our neighborhoods more dangerous."

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In a prepared statement at the time Jones was arrested, Mayor Wayne Hall said, "I am surprised and upset about the irresponsible and illegal actions of this individual, who abused his power and jeopardized the health and safety of our residents."