Two San Francisco police officers accused of stealing evidence and three other officers facing separate charges pleaded not guilty on Friday, the Associated Press reported.
Sgt. Ian Furminger, 47 and Officer Edmond Robles, 46, allegedly stole money, drugs, electronics, and gift cards seizing during investigations.
Furminger entered a guilty plea and Robles is waiting to receive legal representation before pleading.
Former Officer Reynaldo Vargas, 45, is also facing the same charges.
In addition, three other cops -- Arshad Razzak, 41, Richard Yick, 36, and Raul Elias, 44 -- appeared in court on Friday and are facing civil rights charges. According to prosecutors, the charges involve illegally entering hotel rooms and harassing couples.
"Our department is shaken," Police Chief Greg Suhr said during a press conference on Thursday. "This is as serious as an issue as I can recall in my time in the department."
The investigation into the officers began three years ago after public defender Jeff Adachi released surveillance videos showing the city's cops stealing from hotel guests.
"This is not only a betrayal of the public's trust, but also a betrayal of all the men and women of the San Francisco Police Department who work hard every day to do what they can to keep San Francisco safe," Suhr added.
