Officer gets 90 days in jail in perjury case

DETROIT (AP) -- A former suburban Detroit police officer who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in a case involving perjury during a major drug trial has been sentenced to 90 days in prison. Scott Rechtzigel was sentenced Wednesday in Wayne County Circuit Court for neglect of duty. State prosecutors say he and another former Inkster officer Robert McArthur conspired to cover up lies during a drug trial in 2005. McArthur's sentencing is May 2. Retired Judge Mary Waterstone faces trial in May. Former prosecutor Karen Plants pleaded guilty to misconduct in office. They've said they wanted to protect the role of a paid informant. Published: Fri, Mar 25, 2011