Two men could face up to ten years behind bars for illegally transporting guns, slot machines and cigarettes across state lines. The goods were valued at around $1 million.

The two men, one a former police officer in New York City and the other a former New Jersey corrections officer, recently pleaded guilty to federal charges including one count of conspiracy to transport firearms interstate and one count of conspiracy to transport and receive stolen merchandise.

According to authorities, the two men were a part of a larger scheme that involved other active and retired NYPD officers. They reportedly transported 20 different firearms, six stolen slot machines, and thousands of cigarettes.

The scheme was discovered after an undercover officer and informant posed as dealers in stolen goods starting in September 2010.

The apparent leader of the scheme was an active duty NYPD officer. He pled guilty to other federal charges earlier this month and will be sentenced later this spring.

The two men who recently pled guilty could face time behind bars and have also been collectively ordered to pay back $26,000.

The five other men allegedly involved in the scheme have also been charged.

When someone faces federal criminal charges, a great deal is on the line. A conviction could impact nearly every aspect of an individual's life. It is for that reason why those who are facing serious criminal charges would do well to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can fight the charges while working to ensure that an individual's rights remain protected.

Source: Staten Island Advance, "Ex-officers admit running guns, cigarettes," Feb. 16, 2012