Former FBI agent pleads guilty in drug tampering case

WASHINGTON (AP) – An FBI agent accused of abusing heroin from his own drug investigations and in the process botching dozens of cases has pleaded guilty in his own case.

Matthew Lowry of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, formerly a special agent with the agency’s Washington field office, pleaded guilty to multiple counts Tuesday. His attorney, Robert Bonsib, had previously said his client would plead guilty in the case.

Lowry pleaded guilty to 20 counts of obstruction of justice, 18 counts of falsification of records, 13 counts of conversion of property, and 13 counts of possession of heroin. Prosecutors say guidelines recommend he spend at least seven years in prison. A sentencing hearing is set for June 29.

Court documents say the accusations against Lowry caused prosecutors to dismiss charges against at least 28 defendants.