Now-retired Las Vegas police sergeant takes plea deal in sex sting thefts

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A recently retired Las Vegas police sergeant accused of stealing cash while raiding massage parlors as part of investigations into prostitution and sex trafficking has agreed to plead guilty to two charges, records said.

Sgt. Sean Lucero, 51, who retired from the department in August, originally faced charges of theft and oppression under color of office, records said. Lucero worked in Metro's Vice Section, which focuses on sex-related crimes.

Lucero agreed to plead guilty Wednesday to charges of attempted theft and oppression under color of office, documents said. The deal indicates a judge could sentence Lucero to jail time, but it's more likely he receive probation.

Metro police began their investigation into Lucero in March after a source suspected Lucero of stealing cash from massage parlors while on the job, documents said.

In one specific search of a spa in May, an employee claimed her wallet was missing after police froze it before obtaining a search warrant, documents said. In a similar case, a spa worker said a stack of money was missing before the authorized search. In both cases, employees at the businesses were charged with prostitution-related offenses.

In an interview with detectives in July, Lucero denied stealing any money. According to police, he later admitted to stealing from 10 to 12 massage parlors. When a detective asked if Lucero remembered any of the business names, Lucero reportedly answered: "To be honest with you... I've done so many. The [expletive] names, I don't even know."

Lucero was scheduled to enter the plea on Thursday. His lawyer previously declined to comment on the case.