butler was. >> reporter: michael cardoss is talking about michael butler. he believes butler is the center piece of this case and the district attorney agrees. >> every day it goes over in his case his relationship to mr. butler because that's what put him in this situation. >> butler was involved with the drug sales. butler was involved in every aspect of this. >> reporter: earlier this month the federal government took over the investigation. defense attorneys say that usually they wouldn't recommend that but since this case had so many layers, it's best for an outside agent cy agency to look at the big picture. >> this is going to be a long drawn out investigation and prosecution. and i think appropriately handled by the federal government. >> reporter: butler and his attorneys denied a request from us to speak. live in walnut creek, i'm paul chambers. >>> berkeley police are looking for a prowler who escaped after being impaled on a metal fence. a woman who lives on 2008way near fullton way reported seeing a man outside her window at about 2:00 a.m. yes

michael cardoza. we spoke with him and he said welsh admits, there is no question he feels bad about what he has done. butler enters court and lewis lombardi entered alone. here is attorney michael cardoza discussing his client, norman welsh. >> right before he, as they say, lawyered upen he sat down with investigators and told them his involve machine >> reporter: the men are accused of using their status. we spoke to cardoza. the men are accused of using their status to set up -- stings, the former net of c net said he needed the money because he had a sick daughter.

michael cardoza. we spoke with him and he said welsh admits, there is no question he feels bad about what he has done. butlers court and lewis lombardi entered alone. here is attorney michael cardoza discussing his client, norman welsh. >> right before he, as they say, lawyered upen he sat down with investigators and told them his involve machine >> reporter: the men are accused of using their status. we spoke to cardoza. the men are accused of using their status to set up -- stings, the former net of c net said he needed the money because he had a sick daughter. he is accused of selling meth, pot and steroids. keep in mind the ages, they face 38 count felony complaints. the men are expected to appear before the judge any mowment. federal authorities have taken this case over and the distribute attorney said charges will stand until the federal investigation is complete. live in walnut creek. we have another ktvu crew right inside of the courtroom and we'll bring you the latest. >> thank you, jade. >> it's 8:48. you have heard of a "dear john" letter, oakland is changing the meaning of that. pam cook joins u