A police officer from the narcotics and vice division who has been accused of helping a North Shore gambling operation pleaded guilty yesterday after a plea bargain was struck between the officer and the federal prosecutors.

As per the plea Bargain the police officer pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to and obstructing law enforcement by giving the operators of the Hawaiian gambling ring a warning of when the police were going to raid their operation, which besides casino style games also offered cock fighting.

The defense attorney said that his client decided to plead guilty rather then put his family thru a lengthy trial, where he would be found guilty in the end anyway.

"He obviously is contrite," he said. "He is the first one of the police officers that has taken responsibility, and I think that says a lot for his character."

In his official confession that will filed last week the officer admitted to the charge against him and said that 2 of his fellow officers were also involved.

The officers lawyer feels he has a good chance of avoiding any jail time do to his previous good record as an officer and the fact that he came forward to admitted his guilt without a fight.

The prosecutor agreed to recommend a reduced sentence, and now he could face up to 5 year in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing will be held on April 2 by the US District Judge.