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Love pleads guilty, will go to rehab

LOS ANGELES - Rock star Courtney Love pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor count of being under the influence of a controlled substance and agreed to enter a drug rehabilitation program.

"Guilty," Love, 39, said softly when the judge asked for her plea. Sentencing was set for July 16.

Assistant City Attorney Jerry Baik told reporters that the rehabilitation effort will last several months and is an outpatient program that includes classes, counseling and probably random drug testing.

The count to which she pleaded involved cocaine and other opiates found in her system. A count of disorderly conduct will most likely be dismissed at sentencing, Baik said.

Love separately faces felony charges in Beverly Hills, where she has pleaded innocent to illegally possessing prescription painkillers. She could face up to three years and eight months in prison if convicted in that case.

The two cases stemmed from encounters with police on the same night last October.

NEW YORK - Officer Daniel Rodriguez, the "singing cop" who gained prominence when he performed at the Yankee Stadium memorial service shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks, turned in his retirement papers Tuesday and will devote himself to music.

"I'd like to dedicate myself to learning how much I can actually accomplish as a singer," said the 40-year-old Rodriguez. "I'm sad to leave because I really love the job but I'm also happy to be moving forward."

Rodriguez plans to keep busy with performances including his operatic debut in La Boheme in New Zealand next year and recording his third CD, which will have a Christian theme.

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