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UPDATED AND CORRECTED 1/17/07 7:14 p.m.

Federal authorities indicted Huntington Park police Sgt. Alvaro Murillo on conspiracy charges in connection with a coke and pot distribution scheme he operated.

Murillo, identified in court documents as 'El Padrino" was arrested at his West Covina home Thursday morning and appeared in federal court Thursday afternoon.

Federal documents indicate Murillo was ratted out by an informant. His co-defendant has been identified as Alberto Del Real-Gallardo, aka "Panzon."

Here's how their scheme worked: A target would be identified. Del Real-Gallardo and another informant would allegedly trick the target out of their dope through a series of ruses. Murillo is suspected of turning around and selling the drugs.

Murillo, described by those who knew him as a likeable guy, was suspended by the HPPD in Sept. 2006. If convicted he faces a life prison sentence.

Here's a copy of the indictment.

There's some supplemental information that I'll need to scan. It contains transcripts of some wiretaps and other information. A public records search of information associated with El Padrino indicates he was also employed by a Los Angeles trucking company.

Murillo was placed on paid administrative leave by the HPPD in Sept. 2006, after they were approached by federal authorities.