DISGRACED FORMER VPD OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG TRAFFICKING

'Rogue cop' had less than five years on the force

By Neal Hall, Vancouver Sun

A disgraced former Vancouver police officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to
drug trafficking and breach of trust.

Peter Andrew Hodson, 31, pleaded guilty to trafficking marijuana and
two counts of breach of trust for selling drugs and the illegal use of
a police database.

Another charge Hodson was facing -- break-and-enter in connection with
street drug trafficking -- was stayed by the Crown.

The offences occurred between Dec. 4, 2009 and April 20,
2010.

Hodson, who remains on bail, will have a three-day sentencing hearing
before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Gregory Rideout starting June
1, when the Crown is expected to lead extensive evidence about the
crimes.

Hodson, an officer for less than five years, was fired last April 21
after he was charged.

At the time, Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu called the officer's
conduct "shocking and disturbing," and branded Hodson as a "rogue"
cop.

Hodson was also observed driving erratically by police on Nov. 16,
2008 and was charged with impaired driving. That matter will be back
in court Dec. 16.

When the drug dealing allegations arose, police took the unusual step
of setting up an investigation in an office outside the police station
to protect the integrity of the probe.

Vancouver police also asked the RCMP for assistance. Police arranged
for a drug user to buy drugs from Hodson.

The joint forces investigation, which involved up to 30 officers,
observed Hodson trafficking amounts of two pounds or less of
marijuana, both on and off duty.