Former police detective Eric Barros was sentenced to three years of probation in Clark County District Court on Monday on charges of theft and falsifying evidence in a drug bust. He said his crimes were spurred in part by his gambling addiction. Photo by Gary Thompson.

Former Las Vegas narcotics detective Eric Barros ended his fall from grace with a thud Monday when he was sentenced to three years of probation for charges involving theft and falsifying evidence in a drug bust.

Barros -- once a well-respected officer who in 1999 was recognized by the Metropolitan Police Department for meritorious service -- appeared before Clark County District Judge Stephen Huffaker for sentencing.

Barros chose to forgo a jury trial by entering into a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Speaking quietly with his attorney by his side, Barros stood before the bench and apologized to the court and his family for the impact of his actions. He said his crimes were spurred in part by a gambling problem that he has tackled through counseling.

As part of his sentence, Barros is prohibited from entering the gaming areas of local resorts and hotels.

"This disease I have not only affects me, it affects them," Barros said of his family, whom he thanked for standing by him.

Barros was arrested in September and admitted to authorities that he produced fake drugs in a 2003 case against Henderson resident Jeffrey Port.

After the confession, Clark County District Attorney David Roger moved to have the charges against Port dismissed. On the strength of Barros' false evidence, Port had been prosecuted for felony drug trafficking and given a suspended prison sentence and probation.

In 2004, Barros came under police scrutiny for insurance fraud to fund his gambling addiction. Police reports showed that an insurance investigator was suspicious of a home burglary Barros had reported to Henderson police.

Barros had reported several items stolen, including a television, a stereo, jewelry and $6,400 in cash. He also said that a $10,000 Rolex from Ben Bridge Jewelers was missing from his home.

The State Farm insurance investigator on the case discovered that the watch was still in the store inventory and that the receipt was false.

When the investigator found out that Barros' ex-wife worked at the jewelry store, the matter was turned over to Las Vegas police. An internal affairs investigation ensued.

"I want you to know that everyone makes mistakes," said Huffaker, who ordered Barros to pay $1,400 in restitution. "You have done everything you could to turn this around. But it's still a battle. And it's still going to be a battle."

Barros joined the Police Department in 1998 and became a narcotics detective in 2002.

Huffaker also imposed a 12- to 32-month suspended prison sentence, which Barros may have to serve if he violates the conditions of his probation.