Windsor police Constable Michael Shannon was placed on suspension after he was sentenced Thursday, The Windsor Star reported Friday.

Shannon, 40, was convicted of stealing $425 from an undercover member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The RCMP official had been enlisted by Windsor officials after suspecting that Shannon might be corrupt.

In a sting operation, Shannon took planted money out of a duffel bag during a traffic stop. Although he found a crack pipe in the car, he sent the driver on his way.

In a seven-page letter from Shannon read by his attorney, Shannon said he wants to remain on the Windsor police force.

Shannon, who has received 37 commendations for exceptionally good work, said he has had a lifelong struggle with drugs and alcohol.

Prosecutor David Foulds called Shannon's conduct "a terrible stain on the Windsor Police Service" and asked the judge to send Shannon to "real jail" for six months to one year.