Former California drug agent gets life and $16 million fine

(Los Angeles-AP) -- A former California narcotics agent convicted of running a multi-state drug distribution network has been sentenced to life in prison.<br><br>Richard Wayne Parker also was fined 16

Wednesday, January 19th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Los Angeles-AP) -- A former California narcotics agent convicted of running a multi-state drug distribution network has been sentenced to life in prison.

Richard Wayne Parker also was fined 16 (m) million dollars.

Lawyers for Parker told the judge in Los Angeles that their client does not have the money to pay the fine and will appeal his
conviction.

Parker, his hands shackled to his waist and wearing a wrinkled blue prison uniform, smiled and seemed cheerful during the
proceeding.

The former California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement officer was convicted of stealing 650 pounds of cocaine from an evidence
locker in 1997 and then selling it.

Parker was convicted in a second trial after his first jury deadlocked ten-to-two for acquittal.