Ky. Cop Robbed Man's Home Under Guise Of 'Executing Search Warrant'

ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- A former Ashland Police officer has pleaded guilty to federal drug and gun charges.

32-year-old Melvin “JR” Schoch Jr. pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone and possessing a firearm in during the commission of a drug crime, during a hearing in U.S. District Court in Ashland. Two other counts from a January superseding indictment were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

Schoch was an Ashland Police Officer from January 2004 until he resigned in May 2011.

According to the plea agreement, in May or June of 2009, Schoch, co-defendant Ellis Pittman and another person identified as "PS,” were involved in surveillance of a residence in Boyd County where a person possessing quantities of Oxydocone pills and a large amount of money from sales of Oxycodone pills was believed to be.

Later, Schoch and the two other people returned to the residence and engaged in a home invasion to steal Oxycodone pills and/or drug money.

Schoch, who was on duty with the Ashland Police at time and armed with duty weapon, admitted to entering the residence under the guise of having a search warrant.

Prior to going into the residence, Schoch said he provided Pittman and “PS” with police tactical equipment.