Associated Press - October 14, 2009 6:04 PM ET

FLINT, Mich. (AP) - Flint's former police chief has pleaded guilty to obtaining federal money by fraud.

David Dicks' plea Wednesday came less than a week before jury selection was to begin in federal court in Flint. Prosecutors also agreed to drop charges against his father, Richard Dicks Sr., and place him in a diversion program.

Defense lawyer Michael Manley says the elder Dicks must stay out of trouble for 18 months.

David Dicks was accused of illegally double-dipping by taking nearly $47,000 from a security company while he was a police officer or was taking classes. Richard Dicks ran the company and had a contract with a group that received federal money.

The money must be repaid. Prosecutors say David Dicks likely faces six months to a year in custody when he's sentenced Feb. 12.

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