Drug Task Force Commander Pleads Guilty to Felonies

Narcotics possession, theft and civil rights violations

OAKLAND, Calif. -- A former Contra Costa County drug task force commander pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to a number of felony charges stemming from a police corruption case that scandalized the Bay Area.

Norman Wielsch, 51, of Concord, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Oakland to charges including narcotics possession, distribution and sales, theft from a federally funded program, and civil rights violations including conducting illegal searches and seizures.

He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, and changed his plea today.