A police officer who was already facing a slew of bribery, coercion and assault charges is now likely to contend with Pittsburgh drug charges.

Our Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys understand that police are often held to a greater standard than the average citizen. That means when they are arrested, the stakes are often much higher. As keepers of the public trust, an arrest within the ranks is seen as a liability. Even if the charges are later downgraded or dismissed, the officer could still lose his or her job.

Many police agencies offer a union attorney to represent the officer in cases where misconduct is alleged. But it's critical for accused officers to also employ the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney, who will work to protect their careers and freedom.

In this case, the 34-year-old, who had been on the force 5 years, has been suspended without pay. He was initially jailed, but since released and placed on house arrest.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, three women had reported he offered to trade legal help for sexual favors. In one case, he allegedly offered a glowing review on her behalf to the Office of Children, Youth and Families if she gave him oral sex. About a week later, investigators allege he offered not to file traffic accident charges against another woman if she gave him sexual favors. Another woman said he offered to influence her boyfriend's court case if she had sex with him. A fourth woman said he showed up at her door in full uniform and raped her.

The last woman reported that allegation to the FBI, which ultimately led to his arrest.

Then, while he was in jail, his fellow officers conducted a search warrant at his home and on his vehicle. There, they reportedly found marijuana, crack cocaine and other drugs. Charges as to those findings have not yet been filed because, as investigators have astutely pointed out, there is a possibility that those substances were simply police evidence that had not yet been cataloged. However, authorities did note that department policy requires that evidence be stored in the evidence room - not in an officer's car or home.