From [HERE] One of four East Haven police officers charged in a federal indictment with terrorizing members of the town's Latino community pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Friday and could avoid prison in exchange for cooperating with the government's case. Sgt. John Miller, 43, was among those involved in crimes ranging from excessive force to obstructing justice, prosecutors alleged. He had previously pleaded not guilty.

In exchange for an agreement to cooperate and possibly testify against others officers, the government agreed to recommend that he avoid prison time. Officers Dennis Spaulding, Jason Zullo and David Cari still face charges. Their trials are expected to begin in January. Miller pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of civil rights. He had faced a maximum of 10 years in prison, although federal guidelines call for 12-18 months if convicted. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 1.

Federal authorities spent nearly two years investigating allegations of civil rights abuse by East Haven police officers before arresting the four officers last spring.

The investigation was prompted by a video recording of an encounter between some of the officers and the Rev. James Manship, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in New Haven. The federal probe found a pattern of discrimination by police, particularly against Latino residents.